by Annette Liike

Created on: June 25, 2009

If you are the new parent of a child with Down syndrome congratulations on the birth of your new baby. If you are a seasoned parent looking for a new piece of advice you can probably add a few bits of information to my list. I am the mother of a seven year old boy who happens to have Down syndrome and I love him dearly. He is a blessing but he is not sweet and innocent as many believe.

Down syndrome children are more alike typical children than they are different so what you need to know about your child with Down syndrome is not a whole lot different than what you need to know about kids in general. There are a few things that some say are Character traits of individuals with Down syndrome but that of course does not include everyone.

First of all Down syndrome children are not always happy and nice. They are not always loving and good. Sometimes they are brats. They may look innocent and sweet but behind that fake exterior can lie a ton of trouble.

Next never underestimate a Down syndrome child's ability. Many people assume because a person has Down syndrome that they cannot do something or they will not understand something. Very often these assumptions are quickly proven to be inaccurate. Children with Down syndrome can be and often are quite smart especially if they want their way. They can very good at manipulation and if they do not want to do something they can easily convince others that do not know them that they are not able to do something. This is also true of many children without Down syndrome.

Very often children with Down syndrome have speech delays so it is very important for parents to teach and learn alternative forms of speech such as sign language and take their toddler to Early on regularly. In addition outside speech services are most effective and should be worked into a families budget whenever possible.

Down syndrome children are not burdens. They are quite delightful and often will teach you much more than you ever could teach them. Again this does not mean that they are happy and nice all of the time. They are children and no one is happy all of the time. They get sad, upset and tired just like any other child.

If you have other children in your family do not give the child with Down syndrome preferential treatment because of their differing abilities. Your other children will be resentful. All children should be treated equal. There may be a different level of understanding for a child with Down syndrome

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