|
|
Post by Jackie on Dec 23, 2004 9:15:54 GMT -5
For those of you who worry about how knowing that they have DS affects our kids and their self esteem......consider this....
My niece, who is due with her first child next month , just found out that in all likelihood her child will be born with Down Syndrome. There had been a possibility all along due to early screening…. so on a hunch I had ordered a new parents packet from the NDSC.
Last night I pulled out the information to get it ready to deliver ….and gave it to Emily to look through. I told her that of course they would be sad because no one WANTS a baby to be born with a Down Syndrome or ANY disability.…..and……..Emily who usually doesn’t have too much to say on the subject pipes up with…
“Well…Mom…..you know…..I just LOVE having Down Syndrome!!!!!!!”
Certainly MY favorite quote of the year!!!!!
Jackie mom to Emily 24
|
|
|
|
Post by SuziF on Dec 23, 2004 9:20:35 GMT -5
Aww ! Bless her ! ~So she arrived home safely....did you do the mother-daughter shopping spree ?Does your niece live near you ? I can't imagine a better place fo rthat new baby than into your family where he or she will grow up with Em as a role model !
Happy Holidays!
Suzi
~trying hard not to blow away in windy Pittsburgh
|
|
|
|
Post by leylah on Dec 23, 2004 9:24:07 GMT -5
Wow! What a great validation on your parenting to hear that kind of self esteem coming out of your child's mouth. She sounds like a remarkable young woman.
The 4 things that I wish for my little girl is that she have a sense of humour because how bad can things be if you can laugh at yourself and the world. A good imagination, because it's hard to be bored if you can imagine anything. Be able to read, or enjoy being read to, because it's easy to fend of loneliness if you have a good book. And most of all for her to love herself and who she is in this world. Sounds like you got it covered, you got any tips to pass along?
|
|
|
|
Post by Jackie on Dec 23, 2004 9:42:03 GMT -5
The best TIP is to treat your child with their rightful place in your family.....and try not to let their disaiblity rob you of the joy of their individuality.
And...YES...yesterday we did a mom daughter shopping spree...got lots of pond care items for her dad....and a few things for ourselves....
You know..."Merry Christmas ...to Emily from Emily"....and "to Jackie ..from Jackie".....LOL.
Jackie...very happy mom at the moment.
|
|
|
|
Post by Staci on Dec 23, 2004 9:56:20 GMT -5
Jackie, you sound like such an awesome mom! I am learning a lot from you here.  I think Emiliy is great and has great self esteem! She sounds like such a wonderful daughter! Thanks for sharing! Staci |
|
|
|
Post by Jackie on Dec 23, 2004 10:27:10 GMT -5
Thanks ...but I am no more awesome than everyone here....just a plain ole mom.....but just with MORE life experience...........and Emily is your average individual with DS....just making the most of what she has...........as we all should strive to do.
Merry Christmas
Jackie
|
|
|
|
Post by rickismom on Dec 23, 2004 11:33:53 GMT -5
Jackie, Emily sounds so precious! As for self respect, I THINK THAT YOU HAVE TO TELL YOUR KID NATURALLY, THAT THEY HAVE DOWN SYNDROME- RICKI KNOWS THAT SHE HAS IT, JUST LIKE SHE HAS BLONDE HAIR AND BROWN EYES. I try not to make a big deal of it- when in homework the other day everyone was asked to list their characteristics, I purposely didn't suggest DS, instead she listed : smart talkative likes to laugh likes to act and dance likes to eat pastry (this was HER first choice  ) She still doesn't like the stares she gets, but we are working on accepting the fact that people tend to not always be polite. |
|
|
|
Post by donnac on Dec 23, 2004 16:44:03 GMT -5
Wow! What a great comment from Emily.
Occasionally I ask my ten year old if he knows that he has Down syndrome, and he always says yes. I then name a few of his friends who have it also. I think with him that it is not a big deal and is just a part of who he is. I'm looking forward to the older years in his life, I just love the little character that he is growing into.
Jackie -- thanks for all that you share with us.
|
|
|
|
Post by MB on Dec 24, 2004 13:10:24 GMT -5
Yes Jackie thanks so much for all you post. Emily is terrific and I am sure a reflection of you.
MB
|
|
]
I think Emiliy is great and has great self esteem! She sounds like such a wonderful daughter! Thanks for sharing!
)