[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today marks another year that we can take the opportunity to embrace World Down Syndrome Day, also affectionately known as “Day of Trisomy”. In 2005, the French Association for Research on Trisomy 21 created this day to spread awareness and acceptance. Our team at Family First Travel Nannies is on board and ready to help educate our peers on Down Syndrome.
Annually, 1 in 6000 children born will be affected by Down Syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality often surrounded with unfortunate stigmas. (CDC) Our society is easily coerced into the negatives of DS when the reality is that they are people just like everyone else. Our nanny agency prides ourselves on having professional mannies, nannies, and staff that are experienced and knowledgeable on just how loving and intelligent the DS community is.
Individuals in the DS community are often not given the opportunity to speak for themselves. While we weren’t able to chat one and one with a person in the community, we wanted to pull a couple of videos that showcased their opinions, thoughts, and ideas–not just ours.
Here are a couple of videos to watch that may give you some insight on the daily life of a person with DS:
- Things People With Down Syndrome Are Tired of Hearing
- Frank Stephen’s Speech on living with Down syndrome
While we felt that it was unfair for us to assume what life may be like living with DS, we did take the time to interview some nannies (including of one our own!) who work with children who have DS. Liz Faulkner, a professional nanny who works part-time with a four-year-old girl, shared her insightful experience with us. Liz’s advice was to “work with where your child is at the moment instead of comparing them to children of the same age”. Down syndrome often comes along with global delays, as well as many health concerns that can be severe. Therefore any milestones or achievements that are made should be met with positivity! (Data and Statistics from the CDC)
Liz shared one of her most memorable stories with us: “I think my favourite has to be teaching her colours. We (mom and I) had been working on it for a while and suddenly we were playing a colours game, it just clicked with her and she got it. I almost cried, when I told her mom she cried because it was a big step for her.”
We spoke with Cherise Shaddix, an amazing nanny at FFTN. She has quite a bit of experience working with special needs children, specifically those with DS. She shared some thoughts with us saying, “One of my favorite things about children with Down syndrome is the love they’re able to give without reservations, so I am always drawn to those positions as it’s truly so rewarding. I would definitely encourage anyone considering a position to not hold back or have any reservations because children with down syndrome are so hungry for love but have even more to give. I think that’s my biggest takeaway is to love them fully because they will love even more so.”
Both of these nannies also took the time to reflect on the challenges that can come while working with a child with DS. Liz mentioned that the child she nannies uses sign language to communicate, which Cherise noted similarly that there are often frustrations due to speech delays causing barriers. Surrounding yourself with likeminded people can be a successful way to stay positive and feel supported.
Family First Travel Nannies did a little research and pulled some resources that can offer great tools:
- National Down Syndrome Society (can help you find local groups and resources)
- National Assocation for Down Syndrome
- 42 Down Syndrome Resources you should know
Whether it’s being a parent or nanny of a child with DS or you are a person with DS; it’s a not always easy. We can, however, be sure to take the time to acknowledge our DS community as not people with a disability. We should, instead take the time to get to know them as a person! Ask them about their interests and life in general, you should hopefully be pleasantly surprised by the things you hear.
We wanted to wrap up our blog post for World Down Syndrome Day with some extra positivity! Here is a short list of stories that showcase inspirational people that either have DS or take care of someone with DS:
- Beth Van Delft About Down Syndrome
- Model with Downn syndrome is challenging beauty norms
- Jamie Brewer: Actress
PS: Don’t forget to wear your funky socks this week as this is a representation of your support for raising awareness about World Down Syndrome Day.
If you are looking for the right fit for your family, we at Family First Travel Nannies have experienced nannies and mannies ready!
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Written by: Ashley Wainwright[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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