Special Needs

[MommaOfT21Girl]

I have a 19 month old daughter who has Down syndrome, and in 3 weeks, will have a neurotypical newborn.  I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on raising a child with SN, and a 'typical' child?

[gummylump]

Hi

What a great post! I think you don't really need to worry because the two of them will develop their own relationship naturally. My older sister was SN and it seemed very natural in our house even though my brother wasn't SN. That was just my sister. It was like just having any other sister in that she had her own unique personality and quirks.

Since they are 2 years apart any direct comparisons probably wouldn't show themselves for some time. I would just caution you that there will come a time when their development may coincide or the younger may surpass the older child and I'm sure you'll be careful not to make those comparisons in front of the children. I think my mother made some mistakes there and I can remember from quite an early age feeling sad for my sister when she used to do that. I know my mother didn't mean to be hurtful but it clearly did hurt my sister's feelings...and mine too :)

I wish you the very best of luck and I'm sure there are books out there that touch on this very subject. Your little girls are both unique, wonderful and perfect just as they are :) My sister and I are very close to this day and I wouldn't wish her to be anything other than herself.

[dedicatedrider]

Hello!  My oldest son, Philip, has Down Syndrome, his baby brother, Marshall, was born on his first birthday!  I really haven't done anything special.  I just handle things in the way I would imagine I would with two typical children.  My boys are getting along just great, Philip is now 17 months, and Marshall 5 months.  Philip can be a tiny bit rough, but any child his age is still learning the art of being gentle, lol.  If you ever want to talk feel free to send me a message!!!

[dedicatedrider]

Just wanted to add something I just thought of.  One thing I am actually really struggling with, personally, is the favoritism being shown my oldest son.  Since Marshall's birth, friends and family come very close to entirely ignoring him while they dote on Philip.  This is really hard for me to see happening.  I don't know if it's something that would change as Marshall got older, but it really makes me sad for Marshall now. 

[MommaOfT21Girl]

That's what I am afraid of.  My husband and I have both decided that if our families ignore Avery (the new baby) or treat her any different than Lauren (who has Down syndrome) we will put an end to it right away.  Avery will always be in Lauren's shadow, and we are going to try really hard to make sure they are treated equally.