August 28, 2008
Information For Relatives Of Down Syndrome Children
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In many families of a Down syndrome child, the relatives such as aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents feel uncertain about how to help their family members. They do not know... |
In many families of a Down syndrome child, the relatives such as aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents feel uncertain about how to help their family members. They do not know what to say, how to behave, or how to treat the new baby.
First of all new parents of a baby with Down syndrome do not want sympathy. They want to know that their other family members love their child the same way that they love their child. The new parents want love and acceptance of their baby and their new life style. Many parents will question God and wonder why he allowed their child to be this way. Some parents may even be mad as God so it is best for other family members to not tell them that God chose them to take care of this child or things of that nature. Even if they are an extremely religious family, at times like this hearing that God chose to make their child this way can be disconcerting. The extended family members should work to learn as much about Down syndrome as possible so that their ignorance does not unintentionally make the new parents even more upset. The new parents want to know that everyone in the family cares enough about their child to research Down syndrome and try to find out more how to help them. Another problem that extended family members encounter is putting themselves in the shoes of the new parents. They need to look at life as how to handle the situation as the extended family and not how they would do it if they were the parents. Additionally they should never say that to the new parents.
One of the best things the extended family could do when the new baby is born is to go to the hospital and congratulate the new parents with a smile, a gift, and a sincere "congratulations". Another big issue with new parents of a Down syndrome baby is that the syndrome cannot be hidden from strangers. The child has certain physical characteristics that make him or her stand out as different. The best thing an extended family member could do at this point is to tell the parents how much the new baby looks like them and point out specific characteristics that look like each parent. It is a fear of the new parents that the extended family will not include the baby in the family and will not want to be part of the baby's life. Another great thing for the extended family to do is to offer to baby-sit and other activities that will put them actively participating in the new baby's life.
It is important for the extended family members to be positive for the new parents and to let them know that they will always be there for them. As the new wears off after the birth and the new parents settle into life with a Down syndrome baby, it will be even more important for the extended family to remain positive and involved.
Comments on Information For Relatives Of Down Syndrome Children
Although I agree that this is good information, the language in this article is considered offensive to many parents of children with Down syndrome.
In several instances in this article, the child is considered "The Down syndrome child" instead of "the child with Down syndrome"
Advocates of children and adults with Down syndrome strive to promote "People First" language. Please always remember that a person with Down syndrome is always a Person first and their diagnosis is just something that they happen to have.
If a person had high blood pressure, you would not call them "the high blood pressure person" In the same respect, Down syndrome is just a medical diagnosis for the person.
thank you for bringing this awareness to your readers.
First, the correct name is Down syndrome. Capital "D" lowercase "s" and no apostrophe. There is NO such thing as a person with "Downs" — it's a very common mistake.
Second, words can and do create barriers -as your article does. Never describe a child as a "Down syndrome child" – they are "children with Down syndrome."
Each person with or without a disability has his/her own strengths, capabilities, and talents.