Are They Really Behind?

A Note from the InkandescentKids editors: If it’s Friday, it’s time for our weekly spotlight on HomeschoolOT founder Sarah Collins, who will be sharing her insights with us. Be sure to follow Sarah at homeschoolot.com.

A Note from Sarah: This topic was inspired by a recent conversation on The OT is IN on episode 99 of our podcast with Colleen Kessler

One of the most common questions homeschool parents ask is, “How do I know if my child is falling behind?” It’s understandable. We are surrounded by grade-level expectations, curriculum sequences, and comparisons that make it seem as though every child should be developing at the same pace. Yet one of the realities of child development is that growth is rarely even or predictable.

Many children, especially those who are neurodivergent, develop asynchronously. They may be years ahead in one area while still needing support in another. A child who struggles to write a paragraph may be solving advanced math problems. Another may have a deep understanding of science but need additional support with organization or emotional regulation. When we focus only on the area of challenge, we can miss the strengths that are developing right alongside it.

Rather than asking whether a child is behind, it can be more helpful to ask a different question: What is my child ready for next? This shift helps us move away from comparison and toward observation. It allows us to focus on growth, identify needed supports, and recognize that development is not a race. Every child is on their own path, and understanding that path is often far more valuable than measuring it against someone else’s.

Want to explore this topic further? Listen to Episode 99 of The OT Is In Podcast: What We Wish We Knew Before We Started Homeschooling.

Listen to more episodes: homeschoolot.com/podcast