Inchstones vs. Milestones: A New Parenting Focus

For parents monitoring their child's growth, milestones have always been significant. Healthcare professionals track major steps like rolling over or taking first steps to gauge growth, teachers assess skills like using scissors or reading, and parents cherish each big moment.

However, more parents in 2024 are celebrating "inchstones" – a trend gaining traction as parents seek to recognize "tiny triumphs."

What Are Inchstones?

Inchstones focus on small, incremental steps in a child's development rather than significant leaps. For instance, a milestone might be when a child learns to hold their own cup or bottle, typically around 6 to 8 months old.

The inchstone here is when the child starts handling the cup "with intentionality," a crucial precursor to the milestone.

Shifting Focus: The Benefits of Inchstones

Tracking progress through inchstones can feel more attainable and less overwhelming than focusing on larger milestones. This approach is especially beneficial for children who might not acquire skills at the same pace as their neurotypical peers.

Focusing solely on milestones can cause parents to overlook the important developmental steps leading up to them. Inchstones allow parents to celebrate their child's progress relative to their own baseline, fostering a supportive environment.

Inchstones help parents shift from the anxiety of meeting typical developmental standards to appreciating their child's unique progress. This mindset encourages recognizing and celebrating the small wins, meeting children where they are developmentally rather than being preoccupied with future expectations.

Inchstones: A Trend and a Celebration

The rise in interest in "inchstones" is partly due to parents seeking more reasons to celebrate. Increased searches for "monthly milestone ideas" and "end-of-year school party ideas" highlight this trend. Common inchstone celebrations include half-birthday parties and good report card rewards.

However, it's essential to remember that recognizing an accomplishment doesn't require elaborate events. Simple acts like praising the child, sharing the achievement with family and friends, or giving a special privilege can be equally meaningful.

A Balanced Approach to Growth

Both milestones and inchstones should serve as broad references for parents and caregivers. Noticing delays in inchstones can lead to earlier interventions. Celebrating inchstones encourages a balanced approach to appreciating a child's unique journey of growth and development.