There comes a time in a mom's life when a simple phrase from her child can be a wake up call. My son, Dayton, who just turned five did just this one morning. Before I go into detail, let me introduce you to Dayton.

I have three beautiful children and Dayton is my middle child. Dayton is a very active little boy, but learns differently than my other two children. I believe this brings a stronger bond between Dayton and I. Dayton was a baby that preferred to have his own space, never took to cuddling, and really did not have a lot to say. The doctors told me that he was reaching every milestone that he needed to and not to worry. Like I said, Dayton is a very active boy. He took off running at nine months and has not slowed down since. He developed his words and to me as a mom he did not need any type of help.

As a mom, I did not realize that I was the only one who could understand him. I thought he spoke fine and everything was okay. A few of my family members brought to my attention his speech. I just thought they were wrong because they were not around him as much. I knew there were times I did not understand him, but to keep him from knowing this, I would simply say "Okay"!! I did not want him to feel that he was different in any way. Dayton started attending pre-school and the teachers started talking to me about Dayton's speech and his behavior.

I must admit Dayton's behavior seemed to have gotten a little out of control, but he is just a boy, right? The teachers explained to me that Dayton was having a hard time communicating with other children and therefore was having a hard time making friends. Really, not my son, there must be something going on with the other children!!

Then one morning, as I was driving Dayton to school, he said something and I could not hear him over the radio. I did not reply right quick because I was trying to turn the radio down. Just then, I heard these words, "Just say Okay, Mom"! Wow, about a thousand knives pierced my heart at that moment. All this time, my son knew I would just say "Okay" if I did not understand him. In that moment, I realized I had been the ignorant one. My son needed his mom to be the advocate for him, because he did not know how to help himself and I simply looked the other way. I did not want to admit he might need help..because he is my son and he is perfect just the way he is.

That day I sought out speech assessments and Dayton was admitted into a speech program. Two years later, Dayton has exceeded in his speech, his learning, and behavior. I have exceeded in knowing that my children are perfect, but sometimes they need a little positive help to allow them to be all they can be in life. I learned sometimes by protecting our children from the hurt of this world, we can hinder them as well. I am not afraid now to take advice from those around me. I have also learned that sometimes out of the mouth of babes comes wisdom and lessons learned...and that is "OKAY"!!