To be tempted, just for a minute, to fib about ds's age?

[NigellaTufnel]

So, I was having a bit of a bad day, but coping pretty well, until ds and I went to the park.

We had the usual polite chit chat with another nice mum, until she asked (quite reasonably) what ds's age was.
Now, he's 17 months, but does not walk, or talk. Her ds was 16 months and running about and chattering.
The other Mum was very pleasant, but was obviously sympathetic to my 'backward' child. (At least that is my interpretation in my highly sensitized state.)

Normally this wouldn't bother me. Goodness, I've had it enough. In fact EVERY time we meet other people with kids.
But I have been worn down by the fact that ds is so far behind his peers, and I worry about it.

We all know the fierce strong love we have for our little ones, and I don't want anyone to feel sorry for him, and I am fed up with feeling that I have to justify what a loving and lovely little boy he is, despite being a bit tardy on the milestones.

Anyway, walking back home I thought just for a moment to knock a month off his age the next time a stranger asks, just so I don't have to go through the whole 'your child obviously has something wrong with him' thing.

I don't think I will, but AIBU even to have thought of it?

there is no reason to lie about your son's age but rather than worrying about it why not read up on things that may help encourage him?

One of my children is dyspraxic and because everyone is quick to reassure you there's no problem we have never had any support in dealing with it. Much better to have been pointed to books by Amanda Kirby that suggest positive things parents can do to help.

All kids get there eventually but it can be an easier road if someone helps you learn how to flatten the bumps.

I ahve 2 friends with DD's, one walked early, the other walked at about avg age, although it didn't seem like that to her mum. The 'late' walker was walking to the shops within a week or so of starting, whereas the 'early' walker took months to do that