31 for 21 Challenge: Day Thirty. Tips for Parents

Tips for Parents

• Learn about Down syndrome. The more you know, the more you can help yourself and your child.
• Love and play with your child. Treat your son or daughter as you would a child without disabilities. Take your child places, read together, have fun.
• Encourage your child to be independent. For example, help your son or daughter learn self-care skills such as getting dressed, grooming, and doing laundry.
• Give your child chores. Keep in mind his or her age, mental capacity, attention span, and abilities. Divide tasks into small steps. Explain what your child is supposed to do, step by step, until the chore is done. Demonstrate. Offer help when it’s needed and praise when things go well.
• Work with the professionals who are working with your child. Participate in team meetings where your child’s education or program is being planned, share your unique knowledge of who your son or daughter is, advocate that the program address your child’s needs.
• Find out what your child is learning at school. Look for ways to apply it at home. For example, if the teacher is reviewing concepts of money, take your child to the supermarket with you to help keep track of what money you’re spending.
• Look for social opportunities in the community (such as Scouts) or activities offered through the department of sports and leisure. Joining in and taking part will help your child develop social skills and have fun.
• Talk with other parents whose children have Down syndrome. They can be a fountain of practical advice and emotional support. Visit the websites of the organizations listed below to see if they have a parent group nearby.
• Be patient, be hopeful. Your child, like every child, has a whole lifetime to learn and grow.
• Take pleasure in your beautiful one. He—she—is a treasure. Learn from your child, too. Those with Down syndrome  have a special light within—let it shine.