It’s more than important to know the rights & wrongs in parenting children with Down syndrome. The best that you can do is to love your child as you would any other. Focus first on the fact that this is your child, and then on the special need. Here’s a brief description of all the Dos & Don’ts to be taken care of while upbringing special children.

DOS

• Use Play to Learn

Your child may suffer from Down syndrome but he/she can definitely learn while playing. Introduce names, objects and other little details to your child while they play with toys. But striking the right balance between work & play is vital for parents. Not everything that is being done has to be educational. Always remember that.

• Factual Information

Do not believe what ‘they’ say. Collect information, facts and statics from Internet, doctors and books. The guardians should go an extra mile to ensure safety and health of their child with Down syndrome.

• Child First

Guardians/Parents should always understand that their child is a child first. His condition comes after that. Down Syndrome, by no means, should affect the love for your child. It is important to understand that a child suffering from Down syndrome needs extra attention.

• Communication Channels

It is often seen that children with Down syndrome face difficulties in speaking during early years of growth. The guardians/parents should establish communication channels using hand gestures, eye movements and other means of communication to understand the child well.

• Get in Touch with Other Parents

Every child with Down syndrome is similar to other children with same disorder except a few specific needs that vary from child to child. It is advisable for parents to get in touch with families, guardians that take care of people with Down syndrome. Sharing information and other insights helps in taking better care.

DON’TS

• Frustration Shouldn’t Take Over

Sometimes it gets very difficult to deal with people suffering from Down syndrome. The parents need to learn to embrace the frustration and understand that their child learns differently.

• Never Use the ‘R**’ Word

It is a strict no-no while taking care of a child with Down syndrome. The R word is offensive and can severely damage the child’s self confidence and morale.

• Don’t Blame Them

No matter how difficult it gets to deal with Down Syndrome, the caretaker should always maintain their cool. Blaming, yelling or punishing the child won’t do good to either of the parties. It is important to stay calm and receptive all the time.

• Don’t Pity!

Neither the child nor the caretakers should be pitied at. Just for the record, raising a child with Down syndrome is pretty entertaining and joyous. It’s an experience to cherish, not to scorn.

• Lose Hope and Faith

More than the child, it is important for the guardians and caretakers to have utmost faith in the child with Down syndrome, and believe in their capabilities. They say, there is light at the end of every tunnel.  Only faith and hope can save the boat.