Raising a child with Down syndrome can be an incredibly rewarding experience – but not without its challenges!
Some parents are simply looking for tips, while others may feel completely overwhelmed and unsure.
If you’re looking for strategies for helping your young one, you’ve come to the right place. The following tips can help your child through all stages of life, from daily struggles with early education to acclimating to adulthood.
Here are six tips you need to know.
You May Also Like
1. Early-Stage Interventions
Getting involved early is key. Once you’ve received a proper diagnosis, it’s important that you access therapies and services as soon as you can. These not only help you properly identify the unique needs of your child but they also allow you to target specific aspects of cognitive, physical, and social development.
To begin, get involved with your pediatrician. A pediatrician can help you pinpoint development delays, pointing you in the right direction for occupational, speech, and physical therapies. Many programs can also tailor services directly to your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
When it comes to children with Down syndrome, targeting motor and academic skills early can make a world of difference.
RELATED: 5 Myths About Down Syndrome EVERY Black Mother Should Know
2. Setting Up Playdates
Socialization is important for all of us, but especially for individuals with Down syndrome. One way to do this is by setting up playdates. Whether it’s school, specialized programs, or through other online or offline networks, you can quickly find like
-minded children your kid will love.
The importance of connecting with peers and fostering friendships cannot be overstated. Feel free to begin with smaller groups, just two or three total, and work your way up as your child adapts to socializing.
Ideas can include everything from arts and crafts to outside games, going on field trips, or even visiting potential employment sites.
3. Task Independence
Your child wants to be independent just like anyone else.
One way to build this sense of self-esteem and self-worth is by assigning tasks. The trick here is to assign tasks that are age-appropriate or ability-appropriate. That helps your child gain confidence with each task, allowing you to up the difficulty as they progress.
Where you start depends on your child, and his or her strengths and challenges. Some children may need to start with sorting colors or clothing or light-organizing tasks. Others may be able to dive into personal hygiene like hand washing, brushing, bathing, showering, and getting dressed.
Ensure that each task is rewarded and that breaks are provided consistently. If you can sequence these tasks in a manageable way, you’ll be surprised how fast your child can grow!
Many programs and support networks can help you tremendously in this regard.
4. Fun, Instructive Routines
Routine helps us all. For children with Down syndrome, routine is all about security and predictability. This can help prevent negative emotions while fostering self-belief and self-perseverance.
When implementing routines, incorporate both unstructured and structured time. You may start in the morning with activities like hygiene and eating breakfast, followed by recreation time. Then, you may incorporate another block of time dedicated to counting, learning words and names with pictures, or sorting toys.
If you can keep it fun and educational, it’s the best of both worlds.
Over time, your child will learn to love learning!
RELATED: What to Expect When Raising a Black Child with Down Syndrome
5. Communication Skills
Children with Down syndrome love to interact, so this can be a very fun and rewarding experience.
There are many ways to do this. Firstly, consider the previously mentioned playdates. Also, look into groups and extracurricular programs. Overall, you want to apply both verbal and non-verbal strategies. You can use photos, sign language, communication devices, speech apps, and more.
And don’t forget to have informal daily ‘lessons,’ whether it’s reading together, asking and answering questions, or singing along to that favorite song!
6. School Inclusion
School inclusion is a big one, and it can help foster everything from academic success to a sense of community and social status.
As a parent with a child with Down syndrome, you can do a lot. You can advocate for certain options in your local school, you can attend meetings with teachers to work on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and you can promote peer-mentoring opportunities with higher-level classmates.
From sports and clubs to informal gatherings, there are many ways you can encourage school inclusion and make your child feel valued.
Overall, raising a child with Down syndrome is about finding what works and what doesn’t. Every child has unique abilities and struggles, so don’t worry. Take your time, consult with specialists, and enjoy the journey.
You’ll be surprised how fast your little one progresses with the right approach!
