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How to Parent a Child with Down Syndrome



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While parenting a child with Down syndrome can be challenging, it can also be an opportunity to foster a family support system. A support group can help you manage the extra responsibility. Having family and friends to help you care for your child is an incredible way to relieve stress and give you time to recharge. Even a short break can help make you a stronger partner, and help you face the challenges of parenting Down syndrome children.

Family

Most families are proud of their Down-syndrome 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 options for getting support from your local community. The Down Syndrome Parent Support Group is one option. These monthly meetings provide support, information and socializing. Expert speakers will be available to talk about the challenges that Down syndrome parents face.


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Early intervention

Early intervention programs can be a wonderful way to help your child develop and grow. These services can be provided by professionals such as speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, social workers, and physical therapists. Federal law permits children with Down Syndrome to be eligible for early intervention services.


Financial assistance

Down syndrome is a visible disability, and families with children with the disorder rely on government assistance programs to help them meet the financial demands of raising their child. 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 to other parents

While you might think you are the only person in this quandary, it is important that other parents also have similar concerns. 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 for Down syndrome

Screening tests are essential for parents of Down syndrome children. These screenings are not invasive and can be done during pregnancy, but many expectant parents opt not to undergo them. In order to diagnose Down syndrome, doctors will first need to collect a sample of your child's genetic material. This sample will then be tested to see if there is an extra 21-chromosome in your baby. These results usually come back within one week after delivery.


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Down syndrome in children

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 is positive parenting?

Positive parenting is a way to help children be happy and healthy adults. It teaches them how they can behave constructively towards others.

They teach children ways to cope with stress and conflicts, manage disappointments, and solve disputes peacefully.

Positive parenting can also help children learn self-discipline. They learn how to solve problems and make decisions on their own.

They feel encouraged to take risks and explore new possibilities. They are taught to work hard and achieve success in their lives.


What should first time mothers know?

First-time mothers need to realize how much they still have to learn. They must also realize that they are not the only ones on this journey.

Many other women have been there before them. And they've learned from those experiences.

They'll find support and encouragement from these women.

They will also feel less isolated as they move into motherhood.


Is permissive parenting right?

While they aren't necessarily bad, permissive parents can be dangerous. However, it is important to recognize that children learn from both negative and positive experiences. They also have to be willing to accept responsibility for what happens when they don't discipline their kids properly.

They should also be ready and willing to take legal action if their child acts inappropriately.

It is the best thing you as a parent can do for your child. Be consistent.

These are the rules to help raise healthy, happy adults who respect others.


Why do some children not follow their parents' orders?

Children naturally want to learn and are curious. They are also naturally inclined to seek out and please adults, as well as avoid punishment. They may lack self-discipline if it isn't obvious why they should follow certain rules.

Children need to understand why they should obey rules and the consequences of breaking them.

They must also recognize that following rules does no mean they have to surrender their freedom. They will be safe, and they will be happy.

If you can explain it clearly to them, they will understand.

So, here are some tips on how to train your kids:

  1. Explain the reasoning behind the rules to them.
  2. Teach them about consequences.
  3. Encourage them to learn self-control
  4. Have fun with them.
  5. Don't expect perfection.
  6. Encourage them ask questions.
  7. Praise effort rather than results.


How to Best Address Sibling Rivalry?

Avoid sibling rivalry by not ignoring them. Instead, you should find ways to make them feel valued and loved. This way, they won't feel jealous of each other, and you can all have fun together.

Here are some tips:

  1. You can play games with them. You could play hide-and-seek, tag, and any other game that requires cooperation.
  2. Special treats are a great way to show your appreciation. For example, give them an extra piece of cake or ice cream cone.
  3. Make them laugh. You can tell jokes, sing songs or dance.
  4. Spend quality time with them. Go for walks, take a book, or play a board game.
  5. Talk to them about what interests them. Ask about their hobbies or favorite activities.
  6. Be patient. Be patient if they get into a fight. Be calm and cool.
  7. They should be praised when they do something kind for one another. Tell them how much you value them being friends.

What is a healthy lifestyle for a parent?

Healthy living for parents means eating healthy meals, exercising, getting enough sleep, spending time with loved ones, and having a balanced diet. It is also about avoiding drugs or alcohol.



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

psycnet.apa.org


positivediscipline.com


amazon.com


sciencedaily.com




How To

How to raise babies

A baby needs love, affection, understanding, patience, discipline, time, support, and guidance. The mother must provide these things for her child. She provides food, clothing, shelter, protection, education, and health care. These things may come naturally when she is raising a newborn baby. But they are very important for any baby.

All babies require love. However, some babies require more love than others. Your baby must be loved and supported if he is to become happy, healthy, and well adjusted.

You should always follow the advice of doctors who know how to take care of children. Your child will be grateful that you do.




 



How to Parent a Child with Down Syndrome