Parenting
By: Jamie Lee
Updated: Aug. 21, 2015
Originally Published: June 21, 2011
“Once Max turns three, he’ll be chatting away just like Lily,” my son Leo confidently declared, his little voice brimming with certainty.
For a moment, I contemplated letting that statement slide—after all, Max, who doesn’t have any known disabilities, will likely start talking long before he hits the three-year mark. However, addressing the reality that he will likely be speaking earlier than Lily, who has Down syndrome, would require diving into why that is the case.
I chuckled at my hesitation. It’s not as if we avoid discussions about disabilities at home! With my own hearing impairment and various conversations about disabilities, like those concerning individuals with missing limbs, we’re quite accustomed to these topics. Yet, discussing Lily, my daughter, made it feel different.
Taking a deep breath, I turned to Leo and said, “You know, Max will probably be talking before he’s three years old. In fact, he might even start speaking when he’s just two or even one!” Leo gave me that nod of understanding he often uses to pretend he’s following along, but I could tell he was lost. I continued, “Lily has Down syndrome, sweetie.”
He perked up, nodding enthusiastically, “Yeah, just like my buddy Jake!” I replied, “Exactly! Lily has Down syndrome, just like Jake. That means they both have an extra chromosome—an extra bit of information in their cells. Sometimes, that can affect how they learn and grow, including their ability to talk.”
“My friend Jake can talk,” Leo chimed in. “Yes, he can! But just because he and Lily share Down syndrome doesn’t mean they’re the same. He is Jake, and she is Lily. Think about you and other boys your age—you may all be four years old, but you each have unique interests. You might like superheroes while others prefer sports. It’s similar with Jake and Lily; they share a diagnosis but are distinct individuals.”
Leo nodded but soon drifted off to discuss a girl in preschool he likes because she enjoys playing superheroes with him. That’s my boy!
I let the conversation flow naturally, grateful that we were discussing Down syndrome openly. It’s important that we don’t hide or ignore these differences but rather engage in honest conversations about them.
My advice? Be straightforward about disabilities—especially those that touch your family. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or making a big fuss, integrate discussions about disabilities into everyday conversations. Kids are incredibly perceptive; they can sense when something is being avoided. So, share the truth.
Here are some bite-sized, kid-friendly truths about Down syndrome:
- Down syndrome is easy to understand; it simply means there’s an extra chromosome.
- Each experience with Down syndrome is unique; it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.
- It may influence how individuals with Down syndrome learn and develop.
- Importantly, Down syndrome shouldn’t be viewed as a tragedy. If you perceive it that way, your child will likely pick up on that sentiment.
Always remember to be mindful of those little antennas kids have while discussing such topics! For more insights on navigating discussions about disabilities, check out this helpful blog post. If you’re considering home insemination options, visit Make a Mom to find reputable products. Also, for more information on what to expect during your first IUI, this resource is excellent.
In summary, engaging in candid dialogues about Down syndrome helps foster understanding and acceptance, paving the way for a more inclusive environment.
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