spain Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 The family that lives behind us has 3 kids. They are 5, 3, and 8 months. It works out good since they can play with our kids alot. Their middle child, a little beautiful red head named Natalie, has Downs Syndrome. I always terrified that I would have a child with something like that and thought it would be a horrible fate. I didnt know if or how I could cope with something like that. Obviously, you want your kids to be healthy and happy and semi-well adjusted, but having a child with Downs isnt as "bad" as I thought. Natalie is a wonderful little girl. Yes, she is different and looks different, but a more loving kid I have never seen. She makes me smile whenever I see her. Like all females, as soon as she sees me, she runs over and jumps into my arms and yells, "Daddy Daddy". Of course I let her know that I didnt even know her Mama back then. Anyway, having a child with Downs is nothing like I thought. That child has been an absolute joy to her parents and grandparents. And if we wind up adopting a child, I could see us taking a child with a problem like that because I bet alot of people wouldnt want one and they probably have a big need for parents in those situations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nuke'em ttg Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 Downs kids are unique.....ones i've met are always happy,polite, very loving kids.....you can't be bummed out around them.. ...their world seems like a joyful place..........the Downside i think is for the parents because it seems like twice the work & worry......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whomper Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 The family that lives behind us has 3 kids. They are 5, 3, and 8 months. It works out good since they can play with our kids alot. Their middle child, a little beautiful red head named Natalie, has Downs Syndrome. I always terrified that I would have a child with something like that and thought it would be a horrible fate. I didnt know if or how I could cope with something like that. Obviously, you want your kids to be healthy and happy and semi-well adjusted, but having a child with Downs isnt as "bad" as I thought. Natalie is a wonderful little girl. Yes, she is different and looks different, but a more loving kid I have never seen. She makes me smile whenever I see her. Like all females, as soon as she sees me, she runs over and jumps into my arms and yells, "Daddy Daddy". Of course I let her know that I didnt even know her Mama back then. Anyway, having a child with Downs is nothing like I thought. That child has been an absolute joy to her parents and grandparents. And if we wind up adopting a child, I could see us taking a child with a problem like that because I bet alot of people wouldnt want one and they probably have a big need for parents in those situations. That would be admirable . Keep in mind that child will need a lot more attention then a child without that condition and it may effect the time you will be able to spend with your other kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Los Gigantes Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 careful Jeff, enough posts like this and your cover will be blown! People realize you aren't an azz! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Neutron Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 Downs kids are great - very happy most of the time as has been said. I've done some volunteer work for a group called Uptown Downs. If anybody is looking for rewarding volunteer work, look up your local chapter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 from my experience, we have a child with special needs.. it aint all that easy..... but stress and other things are relitive ..... i keep reminding myself it could be worse , cause ive seen alot worse... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
untateve Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 children with down's syndrome generally have intellectual abilities that fall within the Moderate range of mental retardation. as such, they are unaware that they are retarded and typically have pleasant demeanors (in my experience). However, they always function much like a young child and will never be able to live independently. Much work, worry, and planning involved in raising these children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonorator Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 That would be admirable . Keep in mind that child will need a lot more attention then a child without that condition and it may effect the time you will be able to spend fishing in the tailgate. fixed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godtomsatan Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 as such, they are unaware that they are retarded and typically have pleasant demeanors are we talking about the kids or spain? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDFFFreak Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 Spain gets the Dr. J, Mr. Hyde award or the best use of image changing PR by a Huddler... Having kids is tough enough. I couldn't imagine having a mentally handicapped child, but would have to rise to the challenge if I ever did have one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Czarina Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 We've come a long way to helping folks with Downs live as independently as they're able...but 'teve's point is well taken: you have to assume they will need custodial care for their entire lives. You'll need an individual/organization, etc., to be able to continue to oversee their medical and financial needs once you're gone. When I was working in an independent living program for adults with a variety of developmental disabilities, it was all to common to work with families of adults with disabilities living with their elderly parents. Tough situation for all involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaP'N GRuNGe Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 The family that lives behind us has 3 kids. They are 5, 3, and 8 months. It works out good since they can play with our kids alot. Their middle child, a little beautiful red head named Natalie, has Downs Syndrome. I always terrified that I would have a child with something like that and thought it would be a horrible fate. I didnt know if or how I could cope with something like that. Obviously, you want your kids to be healthy and happy and semi-well adjusted, but having a child with Downs isnt as "bad" as I thought. Natalie is a wonderful little girl. Yes, she is different and looks different, but a more loving kid I have never seen. She makes me smile whenever I see her. Like all females, as soon as she sees me, she runs over and jumps into my arms and yells, "Daddy Daddy". Of course I let her know that I didnt even know her Mama back then. Anyway, having a child with Downs is nothing like I thought. That child has been an absolute joy to her parents and grandparents. And if we wind up adopting a child, I could see us taking a child with a problem like that because I bet alot of people wouldnt want one and they probably have a big need for parents in those situations. This kindler gentler spain in touch with his feelings and wearing them on his sleeve is starting to freak me out a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chavez Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 are we talking about the kids or spain? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefjay Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 I have a first cousin with severe downs; I have a lot of respect for my Uncle and Aunt because they have raised that child along with his two brothers in a fashion that makes me proud. I don't get to see them much as they are about two hours away but always enjoy my visits with them. We have an annual golf tourney up that way and stay at my Uncle's that night because he throws a big bash that night afterwards. My cousin is now 18 years old. I would venture to say it was a tough 18 years for them but I doubt they would trade it in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godtomsatan Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 Having kids is tough enough. I couldn't imagine having a mentally handicapped child, but would have to rise to the challenge if I ever did have one. I wonder how much differently one might view social programs funded by federal tax dollars? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darin3 Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 I have a cousin with Downs. Well, not really a cousin, but because I have such a small family, I consider him - and his brother and sister - cousins. He's the son of my Dad's best friend from HS. He is only a few years younger than me. As many have said here, there are few people in this world with a more cheerful attitude than my cousin and those like him with DS. My "aunt" is a hugh advocate of Special Olympics and my cousin always does very well in weightlifting, softball and hoops. He's worked at a grocery store for about 10 years. He gets Employee of the Month all the time. He bags groceries and helps clean up. He's awesome. Wish I were out in Chicago more often to spend time with him and his family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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