(I imagine) As a parent, you are constantly on top of what developmental skills and milestones your child should have at certain ages.  In fact, from a teachers perspective, I have seen how parents can be concerned with even the smallest detail (yes, it is ok if your child dots his "i" slightly off center...)  Why do parents analyze and pay so much attention?  Because they want what is best for their child.  They want their child not just to succeed, but to flourish, grow and learn in all areas.  Because that is what a parent is supposed to do.

So when parents lack the skills to help their children, or are lacking from the child's life all together, the outcome is more grim.  We have seen the videos of babies silently rocking in cribs, malnourished and starved for physical touch.  We have read the studies on what this does to their minds and futures.  I have seen children who crave emotional stability, and have no idea how to relate to others; who's anger burns so fiercely within them, and have no idea how to cope.  Those outcomes are just as grim.    When children are badly behaved children, we give them mercy in light of their circumstances.  When those children become dysfunctional adults... Well, society doesn't give them much grace.   Their outlook can be bleak. It's exactly why early intervention matters, why attaching and feeling loved matters, and why extending God's grace matters.  If someone walks through this life without meeting any of these things, what hope do they really have?

All I can do is extend God's love and grace.  So I will do that with all that I have.