Differences between 2 and a half and 3 years

[DevonshireCreamTea]

Hi everyone just looking for a bit of advice.
Is there much difference in the capabilities between a 2 and a half year old and a 3 year old?
I'm getting a lot of comments of a family member at how slow and behind my DD is when compared to his DD. It's really getting me down as this little girl is 6 months older then my DD but now I'm worried perhaps my DD is behind.
Some examples are that my niece is much better behaved and is much better at listening, she can write her name and will sit and do activities. She also can consistently give the right name for things too e.g. colours etc my DD sometimes gets it wrong though she does know them.
I'm getting a bit upset about it all really as my DD is amazing and I'm worried about this constant criticism I don't want it to ever effect her. Thank you. Sorry the examples are a bit shit it's hard to explain as it all feels rather subtle.

Well she IS 6 months older so you would expect her to be doing more advanced things. I would just comment that his child is older and anyway all children develop at their own pace and if you are at all concerned about her development then you will seek expert advice. Really what you should say is something rude!! People are ridiculous sometimes when it comes to comparing children. My advice would be don't..... Don't rise to his comments.

Please don't worry about your DD OP! I think some people just like to compare their DC with others, sometime for a good/kind reason or sometimes just want to feel good about themselves. Your family member's DD is 6 months older than your DD and I think when kids are young they can be very different and developing really fast every day, with their own pace! You will be surprised one day your DD cannot tell the correct name of the colour but the next day she will never be wrong about them. Please don't let your DD feel that you are concerned about / have less confidence in her abilities ( she is probably too young to actually understand this but kids do have feelings about your emotion and they are smarter than we think!)

There are also certain standards/info for the development of children. Unless you've noticed any really obvious sign for a slow development( in which case you can ask your HV), there is really nothing to worry about!