Is this pic offensive?

[kellyds]

I caught our three-year-old playing one of her favorite games with Joshua . . . mimicking the funny faces her baby brother makes! Do you think most people would see this picture as our acceptance of our son, just the way he is . . . or would it look like we're making fun of him? We really love all of what we call his "Downy" characteristics . . . the cute little ears and the beautiful eyes . . . and we think his tongue is adorable. I like the pic, but I'm not sure if I want to put it where "just anyone" will see it, in case they might misunderstand.

share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeANGTRkybuWrOfg

P.S. We'll help him with tongue control a little later. It's still somewhat sore from the respirator tube.

[Betty & Ian's Mom]

Not at all, they are so adorable !!

[Valerie]

I think it's a great picture! Most toddlers mimic certain actions of babies, and this is no different. I think it's a great "bonding" picture!

By the way, when Nicholas was about Joshua's age, I read that to increase oral strength, use a wet washcloth to clean inside their mouths, and while you're doing it, really push the tongue from side to side , up and down, so they will push back against it. Also, when the tongue is peeking out, poke it back in.

Now I have no idea if these things helped Nicholas, or if he wouldn't have had a problem, anyway, but he's never really had a problem with his tongue sticking out, open mouth, or drooling. Just some thoughts to try if you want!

[ValerieC]

If you like the picture that's all that matters. Don't worry what others think! I think the picture is beautiful. Like Valerie said, a "bonding" moment.

Valerie C

[momofrussell]

I have to say, since Russell has alot of Autistic behaviors, Reece has always thought it was cute and funny to mimick them. I personally don't like that she does it... because I always think she is mocking him. So I ask her to stop... but she goes above and beyond the little tongue thing you are mentioning....

It is a VERY cute pic though!!!! It looks innocent.... And we don't work on the tongue thing too much over here LOL!

A.

[ALLISA]

I think that when siblings "mimic" their own sibiling with DS it isn't at all intended to be mean or to make fun of them.....but I know that if I saw a "stranger" doing the same thing, I would be hurt.

Does that mean I am too sensitive regarding the other child ? It is a fine line, I think.

and yes.....my two brothers "imitate" their sister perfectly !! LOL

[Cbean]

It's a beautiful picture. Kids copy each other and it is so innocent and I just marvel at it. Emily can stick her tongue out much farther than that.

We will be working on tongue control too! I tend to mimick her too - hoping that she will copy me and put her tongue back in her mouth! LOL

[alisonzmom]

Offensive???!!!? Absolutely NOT!!!

A beautiful picture of a big sister who obviously loves her adorable baby brother!

Alison is another one who sticks her tongue out alot.... it's funny when we tell her "Put your tongue away!" she'll kind of fold it back into her mouth with her index finger, close her mouth and then gives this smug little look with her chin sticking out at us!!! She is becoming quite the little punk!

Barb

[sharen]

NO not at all, He is soooo cute, and so is his big sis. They both have beautiful eyes

Sharen

[shellk]

I would not say that it is offensive......I would say that it is DARN CUTE ~~!!

There is nothing wrong with that pic. Your kids are very cute.!!

Michele

[andrewsmom]

OMG... they are gorgeous! My daughter Marissa(5) Always sticks her tongue out like Andrew too. I know she is definately NOT making fun of him. I also just politely ask her to stop.

But offensive? I don't think so. It looks like a loving big sister just trying to have fun with her little brother.