Although raising a Down-syndrome child can be difficult, it is possible to foster a supportive family system. It doesn't matter if you're single or with a large family, having a support network can help ease the added 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. A small break can help you become a better partner and help you cope with the daily challenges of raising a Down-sibling child.
Family
Most families are proud of their Down-syndrome children. Many parents face challenges. These parents recommend finding support groups, attending conferences and workshops, and seeking out a good doctor.
Community
There are many avenues to get help from your community. The Down Syndrome Parent Support Group offers one option. Monthly meetings provide information, support and socializing. Expert speakers can speak to you about the challenges faced by parents of Down syndrome children.
Early intervention
Early intervention programs are an excellent way to help your child learn and grow. These services are offered by professionals including speech pathologists and occupational therapists as well as physical therapists and social workers. Federal law permits children with Down Syndrome to be eligible for early intervention services.
Financial assistance
Down syndrome is an obvious disability. Parents with Down syndrome must rely heavily on government assistance programs to provide the funds necessary for their child's education. Parenting a child with Down syndrome is demanding - on a physical, emotional, and mental level. While there are many avenues for government assistance available, it can be challenging to navigate them.
Talking to 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 important to have a support group of family members and friends who share your concerns. It is also helpful to speak to children and parents. If you are open to discussing your concerns with your child, it can help 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 are not necessary and can be done while pregnant, although many expectant mothers choose not to do them. First, doctors will need to examine your child's genetic material in order to diagnose Down Syndrome. 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.
Down syndrome: Physical characteristics of Down Syndrome children
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that can cause a wide range of physical characteristics. Some children have unusually flat faces and almond-shaped eyes. Some children may have mild-moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, congenital heart defect, mild-moderate physical disability, and hearing loss.
FAQ
How do I raise a great teenage girl?
The best way to raise a good teenager is first by raising a good parent. So that they don't grow dependent on you, you must be able set limits for them.
You also need to teach them how to manage their own time wisely. They need to learn how budgeting works. You must also teach them how to tell right from wrong.
If you do not discipline them, your child will become an unruly adult.
Teach them to be responsible. Teach them responsibility, such as cleaning up after themselves, helping with the house, and taking out the trash.
Demonstrate respect to yourself. They will learn how to dress appropriately, respect others, and communicate respectfully.
Give them the opportunity to make decisions. Let them choose which college to attend. Let them also decide whether they want to be married.
Help them understand the importance of education. It is vital that they graduate high school in order to choose the right career path.
Support them. Listen to them and their concerns. If they are not asked, do not give advice.
Allow them to fail. Acknowledge your failures and mistakes. Then encourage them to try again.
Have fun. Enjoy your relationship with them.
What is an example of positive parenting?
Positive parenting teaches children the right behavior by setting high standards and expecting them not to fail. It also involves showing love and affection towards them and helping them when they struggle.
Positive parenting is teaching children how to make their own decisions, not rely on the easiest or fastest. This helps children to become independent adults, who don't follow the lead of others.
Positive parenting also means having fun together and encouraging your children to enjoy the things in life that bring happiness.
Children learn to trust their parents when they are treated as people and not just objects. They are more likely to be happy and healthier, and less likely get into trouble.
Are the teenage years difficult for parents?
Teenagers can be difficult to manage as they may not always want what you expect. They might rebel against the authority of their parents.
Teenagers are just as dependent on guidance and love as any other age. Teenagers need to be taught how to make decisions and to take responsibility.
They need to be able to do their own thing without being supervised, but they don't want too much freedom. They also need to know when they should ask for assistance.
Teenagers are often very independent and self sufficient by their nature. Your support is still important to them.
Teens need to feel loved, supported and looked after. Teens must look up to their parents as role-models and be able to set good examples.
Teens must also understand the reasons for certain rules. Teens should not smoke cigarettes or consume alcohol.
Children need to learn right from wrong from their parents. They should also explain the consequences if they break these rules.
Parents should also show their kids that they respect their opinions. This means listening carefully to what they say.
This requires being open to compromise.
Sometimes teenagers rebel and get mad. This is not always a bad thing. This is actually good news.
Teens will often act out when they want to express something deep within.
They may feel frustrated, confused, or both. Or, they might struggle to cope with life's changes.
It is crucial to understand your teen's feelings. Then you should try to determine the root cause.
If you can identify the problem, you'll be able to deal with it more effectively.
Why is it so hard to parent a teenager?
Although it's not an easy task, you should try to get to know them. You need to give them space to grow and learn on their own. They are unique individuals with different opinions and ideas. They are becoming adults. So be patient and understanding.
They will make mistakes, and sometimes they will behave badly. It's part of living. You never know what your next move will be.
Keep your ears open and listen to them when they speak. Don't judge them too much. You can see the world from their perspective.
Love them unconditionally, and that's the most important thing. 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)
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How To
How to be better parents
Good parenting is giving your children love and support. It is being there for them when they need it most, even if it means getting up early or staying up late. Good parenting is also about teaching your children how they can be independent adults with strong values.
Being a good parent isn't always easy. Sometimes it can seem like you are struggling to keep up the pace with your children's demands. You must remember that children learn from mistakes. Children will learn to be responsible adults when we teach them right from wrong.
You must ensure your children are getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, exercising regularly, spending quality time with them, talking about their day, listening to feedback, and practicing appropriate 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 to ensure your children are successful adults is your responsibility. It doesn't necessarily mean that you won’t struggle at times; it just means that your job is done well if you can laugh even while you cry.