Down Syndrome: Raising A Child

A child with Down syndrome has exactly the same needs at a basic level as other children, and as with healthy children, a child with Down syndrome must be able to meet those basic needs.

As with children in general, good communication is one of the key issues for a Down child. In addition, parents need to keep a close eye on how the child is eating and how his or her health is developing, and the child needs a lot more support.

If your child has Down syndrome, it is important for you to make sure that he or she gets to experience things that develop his or her skills as well as talents.

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic change caused by a person having all or part of a third copy of 21 chromosomes. The abnormality affects one in 1,000 children born and is known to be one of the most common genetic abnormalities in the world.

However, the causes of Down syndrome are not entirely clear. In some children, this condition is hereditary, while sometimes its onset is related to the age of the mother. In some situations, there is no clearly identifiable cause for this syndrome.

Physically, a child with Down syndrome is clearly distinguished by certain characteristics – these are almond-shaped eyes, large lips and mouth, and small ears. However, children can have really different personalities, so not all Down children are the same – so, for example, their sense of humor and way of learning can vary clearly.

However, it can be said that there is always one unifying factor in the personality of these children: they have a very high emotional intelligence, and they like to express love with affection.

How should a child with Down syndrome be raised?

If your child has Down syndrome, your life can be quite an adventure. It can also be stressful that not very much information is available on this topic.

But no need to panic! A child can be raised in a perfectly normal way, as long as he or she is remembered to be given plenty of affection and support.

There are many tips on how to raise Down children. First, it is important to understand that such a child is quite “normal,” and thus should be treated as a perfectly normal child.  Parents are required to have a good attitude and understanding towards the child.

Always keep communication good

Among other things, good parenting means that communication works – this is extremely important. When a child has Down syndrome, even more attention should be paid to how they express themselves.

When a child has this syndrome, it usually takes longer for them to say things. He may have other language and communication problems, but don’t despair. Stay patient and try to find ways to communicate well with your child.

Encourage the Down child to interact with siblings and other children

The developmental stages of a Down child progress in a different way compared to a child who does not have Down syndrome. However, this does not mean that the child could not interact with other children. By being with siblings or other children, he can experience full and well-progressing development.

Parents should also make sure that the child learns to treat adults well – especially those around them. A down child should be encouraged to interact with others, share their own ideas, and communicate to others so they can feel good. At the same time, the child’s close circle gets to understand what this state is all about.

How do you decide if a Down child should go to a special or regular school?

If a child has Down syndrome, he or she can go to regular school. In fact, this is recommended, as it enables him to experience social integration with all kinds of children. In this way, the child’s self-esteem can develop better, and he or she will also be better able to build relationships.

When it comes to teaching, it is likely that a Down child will learn things at a different pace than other students. However, this situation is something that can be resolved with the support of a teacher and the help provided by mom and dad at home.

Regarding learning, one should always remember that if a child has Down syndrome, he experiences the stages of development differently than a child who does not have this disorder.

Let your child try many different activities

We all have our own talents and skills – and a child with Down syndrome also has their own talents. In addition, he may also develop particularly good abilities in certain areas.

These children can do many types of things effectively – they should be encouraged to do things where they can explore their own abilities.

Then let’s look at a few pastimes and hobbies that are especially well-suited for a Down child.

1. Art

Painting, music, dance, and other types of art are helpful for a Down child to develop his emotional intelligence.

It is advisable to encourage him to participate in a dance, song or play club, for example – this will give him the opportunity to think creatively and at the same time learn new things.

2. Sports

Sports also benefit a child with Down syndrome. This allows him to experience an improvement in his physical condition, teamwork skills, and achievement of goals.

Sports, and especially sports that are only active for a short time and often take breaks, are very good. Recommended sports include:

• swimming
• football
• rhythmic gymnastics
• basketball
• table tennis
• martial arts

3. Games and games

Every child needs fun and amusement in order for his development to be optimal. With this in mind, it is important that a child with Down syndrome is allowed to play.

Through games, you can teach your child the things you want him or her to learn, and games are also good tools to increase your child’s motivation.

Should you be especially careful with your diet?

Diet planning is important for parents of a Down child. If a baby has this condition, it usually takes longer than normal for the baby to learn to suckle breast milk or a baby bottle. So patience is needed, and in addition, the parents of a Down child should offer their child more incentives than usual to make it easier for them to adapt to new foods.

In childhood, it is absolutely paramount that a person receives a balanced diet with products appropriately from all food groups. However, Down children tend to be overweight because they are often short and generally engage in fewer sports than other children.

Child health in general

Many Down children can sometimes suffer from heart problems. It is estimated that 45% of these children have some form of heart disease, and likewise often have lung problems, making them more susceptible to colds than normal.

Other commonly observed health problems associated with Down syndrome include hearing problems as well as vision problems (these can include cataracts, myopia, and strabismus, for example). The child also sometimes suffers from frequent stomach problems because children born with Down syndrome sometimes have malformations in their gut.

Although a child may have a wide range of illnesses, parents do not have to worry because all of these problems associated with that condition can be treated. So if you are the mother or father of a Down child yourself, keep a very close eye on your child’s health and also be in regular frequent contact with a doctor.

Finally, the challenges posed by Down syndrome in the family

Everyday life can be very challenging in many ways, but at the same time, it must be remembered that raising a Down child is an extremely rewarding experience. Love can help parents overcome the challenges posed by Down child’s health problems.

Also, be sure to seek peer support from other families with a Down child; You are not alone!