Although parenting a Down child can be hard, it can also be a great opportunity to create a support network for your family. A support group can help you manage the extra responsibility. It's a wonderful way to relax and recharge and have support from family and friends while you care for your child. Even a small break can make you a stronger partner and help you deal with the day-to-day challenges of parenting a child with Down syndrome.
Family
Family members generally feel proud of their Down syndrome children and are happy. Many parents have difficulties. These parents recommend finding support groups, attending conferences and workshops, and seeking out a good doctor.
Community
There are many ways you can get support from your community. One option is the Down Syndrome Parent Support Group. 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 can help your child grow and thrive. These services are provided by professionals, including speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and social workers. 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. 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 to other parents
You may think that you are the only parent facing this dilemma, but it is important to talk to other parents. It's helpful to have people who are supportive of your concerns. It is also helpful to speak to children and parents. Communicating your concerns to your child can build a special relationship.
Screening tests for Down syndrome
It is important to have screening tests done before you parent a Down syndrome child. Although these screenings aren't invasive and can be performed during pregnancy, many parents choose not to have them. First, doctors will need to examine your child's genetic material in order to diagnose Down Syndrome. This sample will be examined to determine whether 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 can be described as a genetic condition that causes a variety physical characteristics. Children with Down syndrome may have flat faces, almond-shaped eyes and short necks. They also may have extra-flexible joints. Some children may have mild-moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, congenital heart defect, mild-moderate physical disability, and hearing loss.
FAQ
What is positive parenting?
Positive parenting styles teach children how to be positive and constructive towards others.
They teach children to manage stress and conflict, deal with disappointment, and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Positive parenting can also help children learn self-discipline. It teaches children how to take decisions and solve problems themselves.
It encourages them try new things and takes risks. They are taught to work hard and achieve success in their lives.
How can I tell if my child needs more or less discipline?
Different developmental stages require different amounts of discipline for children.
Your child may be able to benefit from spanking if he/she is young (under two years).
If your child is older, however, he/she might need more structure or guidance.
Before you make any significant changes to your parenting style, you should talk with your doctor about changes in your child’s behavior.
What do you do when you have a newborn?
A baby is more than a bundle of joy. You must give it constant care. It is essential to be able to feed your baby correctly.
It is also important to ensure their safety. This includes protecting them against falling objects and potentially dangerous situations, such as 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. You must prepare to change diapers and clean up after your baby.
Hire someone to take care the baby's house while you look after the baby. That way, you can spend more time bonding with your child.
Also, be ready to take care of your body. Most likely, you'll be tired. You will likely feel tired most of the time. However, it is important to get some rest so that you can continue caring and nurturing your baby.
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 they cry out of fear, loneliness, and discomfort.
So you need to pay attention to what makes them happy. Talk to them about any upset feelings.
If they don't respond, then offer them comfort.
Your baby deserves a safe environment. They should be kept free from clutter. Clear out toys and clothes with stains.
Also, don't leave food out.
Baby's sense of smell and sound are extremely sensitive. It is best to avoid loud sounds.
Keep your voice low. When interacting with your child, use gentle touch and a low voice.
Singing to baby can encourage you.
Singing loudly is not a good idea. Your baby will still hear you at night.
Bright colors are also a great choice for babies. You can also use brightly colored sheets or blankets.
Use harsh chemicals on your skin. These could cause skin irritation in babies' delicate skin.
Also, avoid wearing perfume or cologne. Your baby may become sensitive to the scents.
Don't forget to give your baby lots of hugs, kisses, and hugs. Babies like physical contact.
This helps them to develop trust and security with their partners.
Why good parenting is important?
Good parenting is essential for children to become independent, well-adjusted adults that can cope with all the challenges of life. It teaches them to take responsibility and make decisions.
Good parents teach their children self-control, how to manage emotions, and how to cope with stress. They show them how to set goals, and then achieve them.
They encourage children to discover their talents and interests. And they ensure they have access to opportunities and resources to succeed.
They treat all people equally and show respect for each other. They do not discriminate against any person based on their race, religion or gender.
They create a secure environment that allows all family members to feel safe.
How can you raise a good teenage boy?
First, you must be a good parent to raise a great teenager. You have to know how to set boundaries for them, so they don't become too dependent on you.
It is also important to show them how to use their time effectively. They need to be able to budget their own money. They should learn how to budget their money.
If you are not willing to discipline them when needed, you will end up raising an unruly child who may grow into a delinquent adult.
Teach them responsibility. Give them responsibilities such as helping around the house, taking out the trash, and cleaning the dishes.
Respect yourself. This will teach them to behave appropriately and treat others with respect.
Allow them to make their own decisions. Let them decide which college they want to attend. Let them also decide whether they want to be married.
Let them know the importance of education. It is important that they complete high school before choosing a career path.
Support them. Listen to their problems and concerns. Never give advice without being asked.
Let them fail. Recognize their mistakes and learn from them. Encourage them to learn from their mistakes and encourage them again.
Have fun. Enjoy your time with them.
Statistics
- Students from authoritative families were likelier to say that their parents–not their peers–would influence their decisions (Bednar and Fisher 2003). (parentingscience.com)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How to become a better parent
Good parenting involves giving your children love. It means being there when they need you most - even if that means staying up late at night or taking them to school early. Good parenting also means teaching your children how to become independent adults with strong values, make wise choices and respect themselves and others.
It's not always easy to be a good 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. If we try to teach our children right and wrong, they will become responsible adults who can understand the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.
Parenting means ensuring that your children get enough rest, eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. It also involves spending quality time together, having conversations about their day, listening to your feedback, practicing social skills. You don’t have to do it all, but you can try to set positive examples for your children.
Your job as a parent should be to equip your children to succeed in adulthood. 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.