Parenting a Downs child can be challenging. However, it can also offer an opportunity to foster a family support network. A support system can help you deal with the additional responsibility, whether you are a single parent or a four-member family. It's a wonderful way to relax and recharge and have support from family and friends while you care for your child. Even a short break can help make you a stronger partner, and help you face the challenges of parenting Down syndrome children.
Family
Families generally report feeling proud and happy for their Down syndrome children. However, many parents do experience challenges. These parents recommend attending workshops and conferences to find support and finding a good doctor.
Community
There are many avenues to get help from your community. One way is to join the Down Syndrome Parent Support Group. These meetings offer information, support, as well as socializing. You can also hear from expert speakers about the challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome.
Early intervention
Early intervention programs can be a wonderful way to help your child develop and grow. These services are provided by professionals, including speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and social workers. Federal law permits children with Down Syndrome to be eligible for early intervention services.
Financial assistance
Down syndrome is a prominent disability. Families with Down children can rely upon government assistance programs to help meet their financial obligations. The parenting of a Down-syndrome child can be difficult on every level. There are many options available for government assistance but it can be hard to navigate the process.
Talking to other parents
While it may seem like you are the only parent in this predicament, it is important for other parents to be involved. It is important to have a support group of family members and friends who share your concerns. It is also good to talk to children and their parents. You can establish a special bond with your child if you communicate your concerns to them.
Screening for Down syndrome
It is important to have screening tests done before you parent a Down syndrome child. While these screenings can be done during pregnancy and are non-invasive, many parents decide not to go through them. In order to diagnose Down syndrome, doctors will first need to collect a sample of your child's genetic material. The sample will be analysed to determine if your baby is carrying an extra chromosome 21. These results usually come back within one week after delivery.
Physical features of children with Down syndrome
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that can cause a wide range of physical characteristics. Children with Down syndrome may have flat faces, almond-shaped eyes and short necks. They also may have extra-flexible joints. You may also find them with other physical conditions, such as congenital heart defects, mild to moderate intellectual disability, hearing loss, or mild-moderate hearing loss.
FAQ
How can you best address sibling rivalry?
Avoid sibling rivalry by not ignoring them. Instead, find ways to make your sibling feel loved and appreciated. This way, they won't feel jealous of each other, and you can all have fun together.
Here are some suggestions:
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You could play hide and seek, tag, or any other game where they can cooperate. You could play hide-and-seek, tag, and any other game that requires cooperation.
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Consider giving them special treats. You could give them an extra slice of cake, or an ice cream cone.
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Make them smile. You can tell jokes, sing songs or dance.
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Spend quality times with them. Take walks together, read books, or play board games.
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Talk to them about what interests them. Ask them questions about their favorite hobbies and activities.
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Be patient. Be patient if they get into a fight. Keep your cool and remain calm.
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Praise them when they do something nice for each other. Tell them how much you value them being friends.
What is a healthy lifestyle for a parent?
Parents should eat well-balanced food, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and spend time with their family. It includes abstaining from drugs and alcohol.
Why is parenting good?
Good parenting helps children grow up to be well-adjusted adults who can handle all of life's challenges. It teaches them to take responsibility and make decisions.
Good parents help their children learn self-control, manage emotions and cope with stress. They show them how to set goals, and then achieve them.
They encourage their kids to explore other interests and talents. And they ensure they have access to opportunities and resources to succeed.
They treat all people equally and show respect for each other. They don't discriminate against anyone based on race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
They provide a safe, secure environment for family members.
How can you tell if your child needs more discipline than others?
Different stages of development require different levels of discipline from children.
You may want to spank your child if your child is younger than two years.
Your child may require more structure and guidance if he/she is older.
Before making major parenting changes, it is important to discuss any changes in the behavior of your child with your doctor.
Is it really so difficult to raise a teenager?
It's not easy, but you must try to understand them. They need to be allowed to develop and learn on their terms. They are unique individuals with different opinions and ideas. They are maturing into adults. Please be patient and understanding.
They will make mistakes, and sometimes they will behave badly. However, this is part and parcel of life. They may not always know what the next step will be.
Be open-minded and listen carefully when they talk to you. Don't judge them too much. Try to see the whole world from their perspective.
Most importantly, unconditionally love them. That way, they will become better people.
Statistics
- Most adults will become parents at some point in their lives (i.e., around 89.6% of the adult population worldwide; Ranjan, 2015). (positivepsychology.com)
- They are even more likely to have dental cavities because permissive parents often don't enforce good habits, like ensuring a child brushes their teeth. (verywellfamily.com)
External Links
How To
How can I discipline my child properly?
You can discipline your child in many different ways, but the goal should be to make them understand why they did that wrong and not repeat it.
Here are some suggestions.
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Your child should explain to you why they think they did something wrong.
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Give them a time limit. Let's say that you have 5 minutes to clean the room. You will be asked to leave school if your room isn't cleaned up by the end of the timer.
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Praise good behavior.
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You shouldn't punish bad behavior.
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You must make sure that your child understands the consequences of any behavior.
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You should reward and not punish. Rewards include praise, stickers, toys, etc.
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For your child, set clear rules.
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Be consistent.
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Avoid shouting or yelling.
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Accept and follow through on all punishments
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Talk calmly with your child and be firm.
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Be in control of your emotions
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Speak softly and don't shout.
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Show love.
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Do not hit your child.
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Spend some time explaining yourself.
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Remember, children are only tiny once in their lives.
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Never stop following through with your promises
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Listen to what your child is feeling.
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Remember that children don't have stupid minds.
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Have patience.
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Don't let your child see you getting angry.
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Be calm
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Encourage your child to express his/her feelings.