Advice needed regarding Downs Syndrome

bonnybabs

Hi Everyone,

Nothing to do with moneysaving but would be grateful for any advice please, I have invited a little girl (age 6 who has downs syndrome) from my DD's class for Tea on Wednesday after school,

I have never taken care of children with learning disabilites before and although I know that she enjoys doing the same things as my DD I wondered if any one has any experience or advice they may be able to give me?? her mum said I need to use a firm tone if she is misbehaving (she is prone to biting), but I will be too scared to upset her!!

DD is so looking forward to it and so am as she really is the most georgous little girl but at the same time I feel slightly more nervous than I usually do. (I always get nervous looking after other peoples children).

Sorry for the rambling on, I realise of course that all children whether with disabilities or not have their own personalities however I guess what I am asking is there anything in general I should be aware of or be prepared for.

I hope no one takes offence to my post, it really is not my intention.

BitterAndTwisted

My neighbours have a young son with Downs and he's an adorable little chap. I understand that he's trusting in the extreme and very, very biddable. I'd treat your DD's little friend in exactly the same way that I'd treat any other child but a child much younger than your own. The biting is something that toddlers go through a phase of doing, see? From what little I know children with Downs are usually more gentle than kids without.

bonnybabs

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

My neighbours have a young son with Downs and he's an adorable little chap. I understand that he's trusting in the extreme and very, very biddable. I'd treat your DD's little friend in exactly the same way that I'd treat any other child but a child much younger than your own. The biting is something that toddlers go through a phase of doing, see? From what little I know children with Downs are usually more gentle than kids without.

Thank for your reply, I really appreciate it. I know im worrying about nothing!

Becles

I've been through similar, when I invited a child with autism and ADHD to one of my sons birthday parties. I was worried about how he would manage and what I would do if he kicked off, but he was fine.

Make sure you have her mothers phone number and if anything does happen, you can always ring straight away for advice.

Friends of my parents used to foster Downs children and I looked after them in the church creche so the parents could listen to the service. They were lovely bairns - always full of life and love.

tiamai_d

You know that tone you use when your own kids start to get over excited and you know there will be trouble soon? Thats the one you need. It will be fun, wait and see.

VeganClaire

When explaining party games it may be useful to have a child role play the game as you talk, this can be helpful for any child who is a visual learner (most peole with down's are), the other children will also find this useful as they are so young. Hope this is helpful


Oh sorry your inviting her for tea not to a party - never mind!

bestpud

It will be fine, and it is great the mother has said to use a firm tone with her - she clearly knows how to handle her and wants everyone else to do the same so her dd can have a social life.

If she were worried you couldn't cope, she wouldn't allow her to come for tea, as she'd probably worry a bad experience may put other parents, and you, off inviting her again.

Just treat her like any other child and I am sure it will be fine.

rocketdog_2

If you're worried being the first time looking after her, why don't you invite her Mum for tea too?

glitterycloud

Hi, my younger sister has downs and we have treated her since birth no different from any body else. You will find that she will be a pleasure to be around and if she does behave in a way that is not acceptable then deal with her as you would your own children. Children with Down's don't normally need any special treatment or to be singled out they are happy playing with other children but they can get carried away with excitement without them noticing.

My sister when she was younger used to be into everything we were, we wouldn't even notice that she had down's as we treated her the same as we would anyone else.

Enjoy your time with her!!

mrscb

Not qiute the same but my son has cerebral palsy and in a wheelchair.When he gets invited(very rarely unfortunately)I have to stay as he cant speak or hear.I just stay away from where he is but close enough to help IYKWIM.I agree if was going to be a major problem the little girl would not be there alone or only go if her mother was there.If her mother is happy enough about you should have no problems.
Hope they have fun.

NAR

Bonnybabs first of all, good for you for including this child. :T My experience of children with Downs is they love attention, but just talk to her like you would your own DD. Also they tend to love music and dancing if you need to fill some time. Enjoy this rewarding experience.