Parenting a Down syndrome child can be difficult, but it can also provide an opportunity for a support system. A support group can help you manage the extra responsibility. It is a great way to reduce stress and to give yourself time to recharge. Even a little break can make you stronger and help with the daily challenges that come with parenting Down syndrome.
Family
Family members generally feel proud of their Down syndrome children and are happy. Many parents face challenges. These parents recommend attending workshops and conferences to find support and finding a good doctor.
Community
There are many ways you can get support from your community. The Down Syndrome Parent Support Group is one option. Monthly meetings provide information, support and socializing. Expert speakers will be available to talk about the challenges that Down syndrome parents face.
Early intervention
Early intervention programs are an excellent way to help your child learn and grow. These services are provided to children by professionals, such as speech pathologists. Federal law provides early intervention services for children with Down syndrome.
Financial assistance
As Down syndrome is a visible impairment, families who have children with it rely on government assistance programs for financial support. Parenting a child with Down syndrome is demanding - on a physical, emotional, and mental level. There are many options for government assistance, but navigating the process can be daunting.
Talking with 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 helpful to have support from family and friends who can understand your concerns. Talking to parents and children is also beneficial. Communication to your child about your concerns can create a special bond.
Screening tests for Down syndrome
You should have your child tested for Down syndrome before you can parent them. These screenings do not require any surgery and can be done at any time during pregnancy. However, many expectant parents don't choose to undergo them. A sample of your child’s genetic material will be required by doctors to diagnose Down disorder. The sample will be analysed to determine if your baby is carrying an extra chromosome 21. The test results will usually be available within one week of the delivery.
Physical features of children with Down syndrome
Down syndrome is a condition where a person's genetic makeup can lead to a variety in physical characteristics. Some children have unusually flat faces, almond-shaped eyes, short necks, and extra-flexible joints. Others may have congenital hearing impairments, mild-moderate intellectual disability or heart defects.
FAQ
Parents find the teenage years to be particularly difficult
Teenagers can often be difficult to manage. Teenagers can also rebel against parental authority.
Teenagers require guidance and love just like any other age group. It is important to remember that teenagers must still learn how to make their own decisions and take control of their lives.
They need to be able to do their own thing without being supervised, but they don't want too much freedom. They need to be able to recognize when they can ask for help.
Teenagers tend to be independent and self-sufficient. They do need your support, however.
In fact, teens need to feel loved and cared for. They should see their parents, who are role models for them, as they set high standards.
Teens should also be able understand why certain rules apply to them. Teens shouldn't drink or smoke.
Children need to learn right from wrong from their parents. They must also inform their children about the consequences for breaking these rules.
Children should see that parents respect their opinions. Respecting their opinions means listening to them.
This requires being open to compromise.
Teens can sometimes become angry and rebellious. This is not always a bad thing. In fact, it shows that they're growing up.
Teens often act out because they are trying to express something deep down.
They might feel confused or frustrated. They may also have difficulty coping with life's changes.
Listen to your teen. Next, try to determine what is causing the behavior.
If you can identify the problem, you'll be able to deal with it more effectively.
How can I tell if my child needs more or less discipline?
Children need different amounts of discipline depending on their stage of development.
A spanking may be beneficial for children younger than 2 years.
If your child is older, however, he/she might need more structure or guidance.
You should always discuss changes in your child's behavior with your doctor before making any major changes in your parenting style.
How can you raise a great teenager?
It is important to be a good parent in order to raise a healthy teenager. To make sure they aren't dependent on you, it is important to be able to set boundaries.
Also, teach them how you can manage your time. They should learn to budget their money. Most importantly, they must be taught how to differentiate right from wrong.
If you're not willing to discipline your child when necessary, you could end up raising an unruly kid who might become a delinquent adult.
Teach them to be responsible. They should be taught how to help around the house, clean the dishes and take out the trash.
Teach them to respect others. It teaches them to respect themselves, how to treat others and how they should dress.
Give them the freedom to make decisions. Let them pick the college. Let them also decide whether they want to be married.
It is important to help them understand the value of education. They must complete high school before they can choose a career path.
Be supportive. Listen to what they have to say. Don't give advice unless they ask.
Allow them to experience failure. Acknowledge mistakes and failures. Then encourage them to try again.
Have fun. Enjoy living with them.
What should I do with a newborn who is awake all day?
A baby is much more than just a joy-filled bundle of joy. It needs to be fed and cared for constantly. You need to know how to feed a baby properly.
Also, you must ensure that they are protected from harm. This includes protecting them against falling objects and potentially dangerous situations, such as fire.
You must pay attention to the needs of your baby when you are holding it. A baby has different sleeping patterns than adults. Be prepared to change diapers, clean up after accidents and do your best to keep them comfortable.
Consider hiring someone to help with housework while your baby is being cared for. So you can spend more quality time with your baby.
Also, be ready to take care of your body. Most likely, you'll be tired. Rest is essential to ensure your baby's safety.
It's okay to let go of control sometimes. You should always pick yourself up quickly. Otherwise, you might hurt the baby.
Remember that babies are not always hungry when they cry. Sometimes, babies cry because they feel lonely, scared, or uncomfortable.
This will help you to understand what makes them happy. Talk to them if you notice that they are upset.
If they are unable to respond, offer comfort.
You should provide a safe and secure environment for your baby. You should keep clutter away from your baby. Clear out toys and clothes with stains.
Do not leave food around.
Be aware that babies are sensitive to noises and smells. Keep your baby away from loud noises.
Keep your voice low. When interacting with your child, use gentle touch and a low voice.
You can also encourage your baby by singing to him or her.
However, don't shout too loud. Your baby will hear you even at night.
Your baby will also love to look at bright colors. Brightly-colored sheets and blankets can be used.
Be careful about using harsh chemicals on your skin. These could cause skin irritation in babies' delicate skin.
Also, avoid wearing perfume or cologne. You could be affecting your baby's senses.
Finally, be sure to give your baby plenty of hugs and kisses. Babies love physical contact.
This helps them develop trust and security in relationships.
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)
- Students from authoritative families were likelier to say that their parents–not their peers–would influence their decisions (Bednar and Fisher 2003). (parentingscience.com)
External Links
How To
What can I do to discipline my child?
There are many methods of disciplining children, but the goal is to help them understand why they did it so they don't do it again.
Here are some ideas:
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Explain to your child why you think they did something wrong.
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Give them a time limit. Give them a time limit, such as "I'm going with you for 5 minutes to clean my room." If you don't finish by the timer, you'll be required to stay after school.
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Praise good behavior.
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Don't punish bad behavior.
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Make sure your child knows what consequences there will be if they misbehave.
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Use rewards rather than punishment. 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 and yelling.
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Follow through on punishments.
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Talk calmly and firmly to your child.
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Take control of your emotions
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Speak softly and don't shout.
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Show your love.
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Do not hit your child.
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Take the time to be clear.
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Keep in mind that children are just small once.
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Promises must be kept.
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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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Be kind to your child.
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Keep calm.
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Encourage your child the freedom to express himself/herself.