Although raising a Down-syndrome child can be difficult, it is possible to foster a supportive family system. A support system can help you deal with the additional responsibility, whether you are a single parent or a four-member family. You can relieve stress by having family and friends help you look after your child. Even a little break can make you stronger and help with the daily challenges that come with parenting Down syndrome.
Family
Most families report feeling proud of their Down children. However, many parents do experience challenges. These parents recommend identifying support groups, attending workshops and conferences, and finding a good physician.
Community
There are many avenues to get help from your community. One option is the Down Syndrome Parent Support Group. Monthly meetings provide information, support and socializing. Expert speakers will also be available to discuss the difficulties of raising Down syndrome children.
Early intervention
Early intervention programs can help your child grow and thrive. These services can be provided by professionals such as speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, social workers, and physical therapists. Children with Down syndrome can be eligible for federal early intervention services.
Financial assistance
As Down syndrome is a visible impairment, families who have children with it rely on government assistance programs for financial support. The parenting of a Down-syndrome child can be difficult on every level. While there are many ways to get government assistance, the process can be overwhelming.
Talking with other parents
You may think that you are the only parent facing this dilemma, but it is important to talk to other parents. A supportive circle of friends and family can help you to understand your worries. Talking to parents and children is also beneficial. Communication to your child about your concerns can create a special bond.
Screening tests to screen for Down syndrome
It is important to have screening tests done before you parent a Down syndrome child. These screenings are not invasive and can be done during pregnancy, but many expectant parents opt not to undergo them. To diagnose Down syndrome, doctors first need to obtain a sample of the genetic material from your child. This sample will be analyzed to determine if your baby has an extra chromosome 21. The test results will usually be available within one week of the delivery.
Down syndrome children have different physical characteristics
Down syndrome is a condition where a person's genetic makeup can lead to a variety in physical characteristics. Children with Down syndrome may have flat faces, almond-shaped eyes and short necks. They also may have extra-flexible joints. Other physical issues that they may have include mild-moderate intellectual disability and congenital heart defects.
FAQ
What do you do when you have a newborn?
A baby is more than a bundle of joy. It requires constant care and feeding. You must know how to properly feed a child.
Also, you must ensure that they are protected from harm. You must protect them from falling objects as well as dangerous situations like fire.
It is important to be attentive to your baby's needs when you have it in your arms. Baby sleeping habits are different than those of adults. Be prepared to change diapers, clean up after accidents and do your best to keep them comfortable.
It might be worth hiring someone to do the housework and take care of the baby while you are at work. So you can spend more quality time with your baby.
It is important to be prepared for the unexpected. You will likely feel tired most of your time. Resting is vital to your ability to care for your baby.
Sometimes it's OK to let go of control. You should always pick yourself up quickly. Otherwise, you might hurt the baby.
Don't forget that babies don't always cry out of hunger. Sometimes they cry because of fear, loneliness, or discomfort.
It is important to listen to their happiness. If they seem upset, talk to them.
If they do not respond, you can comfort them.
Your baby deserves a safe environment. Keep them away from clutter. Make sure to clean up any toys or clothes that have become dirty.
Don't forget to take out food.
Bear in mind that babies are extremely sensitive to the smells and sounds around them. Keep your baby away from loud noises.
Keep your voice low. Use gentle touch when you interact with your baby.
You can also encourage your baby by singing to him or her.
Singing loudly is not a good idea. Your baby will hear your singing even at night.
Your baby will also love to look at bright colors. You can also use brightly colored sheets or blankets.
You should be cautious about using harsh chemicals to your skin. These could cause skin irritation in babies' delicate skin.
Avoid using perfumes or colognes. Your baby's senses of smell may be affected by the smell.
Be sure to show your baby affection with lots of kisses and hugs. Babies love physical contact.
This helps them build trust and security within their relationships.
Is permissive parenthood good?
Although they can be a problem, parents who are too permissive with their children should not be considered bad. Children learn from both good and bad experiences. They have to be willing and able to take responsibility when their children are not disciplined properly.
They should also be prepared to take action if their child misbehaves.
Being a parent is your best job. You should set boundaries and then enforce them. Be consistent.
These rules will help you raise happy, well-adjusted children who are respectful of others and themselves.
Is it better not to be strict?
You should be strict with your children. It is important that children learn to be responsible adults. However, discipline is necessary if children are not being consistent.
You must teach them how they should behave. You don’t want them to be wild or they could hurt another person.
You will find that being a strict parent is more difficult than being a permissive one. You will see rebellion in your children if you give them too much freedom.
However, if you give them too little freedom, they won't know how to behave themselves.
Although it is difficult to be a strict parent, I believe it is worth it.
What is a positive example?
Positive parenting teaches children how they should behave by setting high expectations and expecting them live up to them. It involves loving them unconditionally and supporting them through their struggles.
Positive parenting is teaching children how to make their own decisions, not rely on the easiest or fastest. This helps children become independent adults who can decide for themselves what they want, rather than following the advice of others.
Positive parenting involves having fun with your kids and encouraging them to be happy.
Children will trust their parents if they feel loved and cared for by them. They will be happier and healthier as a result.
Why are some children not following their parents' directions?
Children are naturally curious and want to learn from others. They also have an innate desire to please adults and avoid punishment. They may not be able to self-discipline themselves if they aren't clear on why they must follow certain rules.
Children must understand the reasons they need to follow rules and what consequences are for breaking them.
They must realize that following rules does NOT mean they will lose their freedom. They will still be safe and happy.
This will make it easier for them to grasp.
These are some suggestions for how to train your children.
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Explain the reasoning behind the rules to them.
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Teach them how to deal with consequences.
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You can help them to develop self-control.
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Have fun.
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Don't expect perfection.
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Encourage them asking questions.
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You should be praised for your effort and not just your results.
How do you address sibling rivalry the best?
You shouldn't try to avoid sibling rivalry through ignoring them. Instead, you should find ways to make them feel valued and loved. So they don't feel jealous and can have fun having fun together.
Here are some ideas.
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Play games together. Play hide and seek or tag with them.
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You can give them extra treats. You could give them an extra slice of cake, or an ice cream cone.
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Make them smile. Tell jokes, sing songs, or dance.
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Spend quality time with your children. Go for walks, take a book, or play a board game.
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Talk to them and ask about their interests. Ask them about their favourite hobbies or activities.
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Be patient. Do not get discouraged if they have to fight. Be calm and cool.
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Praise them when they do something nice for each other. Let them know how much you appreciate them being friends.
What is a healthy lifestyle?
Parents should eat well-balanced food, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and spend time with their family. It also means avoiding drugs and alcohol.
What is positive parenting?
Positive parenting styles are those which help children develop into happy, well-adjusted adults by teaching them how to behave constructively and positively towards others.
They teach children how stress and conflict can be managed, peacefully resolve conflicts, and deal effectively with disappointment.
Children learn to be responsible and self-discipline through positive parenting. It teaches children how to take decisions and solve problems themselves.
It encourages them try new things and takes risks. They learn to work hard for success.
Statistics
- Dr. Phil says, “Children should be able to predict with absolute certainty, what will happen as a result of their behavior, 100% of the time.” (parenting.kars4kids.org)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How to be better parents
Good parenting means showing love, support, guidance, and understanding to your children. It is being there for them when they need it most, even if it means getting up early or staying up late. Good parenting also means teaching your children how to become independent adults with strong values, make wise choices and respect themselves and others.
It is not easy to be a great parent. Sometimes you may feel like you're struggling to keep up with your kids' demands. But remember, every child needs to learn from mistakes. Children will learn to be responsible adults when we teach them right from wrong.
Your children should get enough sleep, eat healthy food, exercise often, spend quality family time, talk to you about the day, receive feedback and practice good social skills. Your children don't have a right to everything. However, you do need to show them that positive behavior.
As a parent, your job is to give your children the tools to be successful adults. That doesn't mean you won't struggle sometimes; it just means you've done your job well if you can still laugh while crying.