I know, I know, PFB syndrome!

[Galena]

DD is 21 months. She was born at 27 weeks and so is 18mo corrected age. She is tiny for her age (just gone into 9-12 month clothes) and isn't walking due to over-flexible hips and ankles, so 'seems' to be a lot younger, IYSWIM. Unfortunately the only other girl in her peer group is very much more advanced than her - was walking at 10mo, is speaking in sentences, etc.

DD loves to 'count' things/pictures by pointing at them one by one while I say the number words, but makes no attempt to say the words herself (she has an ok vocabulary - has a lot of animal sounds/words, various other words and a range of Makaton signs too). Being my first, I have no idea what is 'normal' development.

How soon might I expect her to say the number words? What about recognising letters/numbers? I don't want to be precious about it and push her into doing things which she's not ready. However, she's a bright little button (has taught herself some Makaton signs from watching Mr Tumble, knows how to unlock my phone(!) etc) and I don't want to hold her back.

How might I go about teaching her?

Thanks - Sorry if I sound a bit PFB - I know she's not a genius, but I haven't any idea about this sort of thing!

She sounds like a lovely bright, engaged little girl. Keep playing in the way you have been doing, life is not a sprint and nobody puts what age they started to count at on their cv. As for recognising numbers and letters, what's the rush? Most kids don't do this until they start school! There is nothing to be gained by measuring your DD against another baby.

Thanks SingingSands. I think I just need to hear people say this occasionally! She is gorgeous, and I keep having to remind myself how much harder she had to fight just to be here than her friends.

I shall chill out, and enjoy her for the cheeky monkey she is!

Please please do not worry AT ALL about letters and numbers!!

My 5 year old is just beginning with that.

A couple of my friends had very premature babies when I had my dd1, and although you could see the difference in development when they were little, now there is no difference.

It sounds like she is doing really really well considering she was born so early. You should be very proud of her and of yourself too.

The best thing you can do is carry on the way you are, talk to her about everything you're doing, show her things, play games and have fun!