Issues, Parenting, Special Needs 
13 Comments A Mum Who’s Raising a Child with Down Syndrome
Hello dear Reader. This is the introduction to something I hope will be an enduring activity for me: that is, writing an account of everyday life as a mum who’s raising a child with Down syndrome. I also hope that this will offer you a glimpse into a life that, whilst having its fair share of challenges, also notices and celebrates the smallest of achievements.
The idea for this blog came from a friend having only just met my daughter. It seemed he was impressed and intrigued with her and he perceptively seemed to understand the effort required of us, her parents.
“You really must write about your experiences,” he said, as if expecting me to share his enthusiasm.
“Actually, I do write. I’ve been keeping a journal for years,” I replied. “‘though I must say, it’s been a while since I’ve written in it.”
“I meant in a blog. It’d be like journalling, only you’d be sharing your experiences with others over the internet.” He was very excited about the idea and hadn’t noticed my scepticism. I doubted anyone would really have the desire to read such a thing.
Not one who’d totally grasped the concept of blogging, I was keen to find out what I was missing.
“Why would anybody want to know about us?” I replied. “And, who’d be interested in reading it?”
“Lots of people would be interested. And for many different reasons. Like people who’ve never even met a child with a disability, or people who work in the field. Even parents who already have a kid with a disability. And then there’s the parents of normal kids. They’d be interested.” He paused, “Er, can I say ‘normal’?”
So, after many months of mulling it over, I present you with this blog. My intention is to continue this account until my eleven-year-old daughter turns 18. That gives a good seven years of blogging and if the past is anything to go by, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to share with you my reflections and learnings along the way.
What I hope this will provide you with, dear Reader, is an insight into what it’s like for my family and me as we evolve in a world that has yet to truly embrace difference.
Great idea.
I cant wait to read more and share yours and your daughters journey…
Congratulations on starting your blog! I look forward to reading your posts and learning a great deal more from reading, then just as an observer as a friend, of what is truly an amazing family that I’m blessed to be apart of. xxx
I was so excited to receive your email offering me access to your blog. Although of course we catch up I am sure we do not hear half the stories or gain all insights to your life with ‘downs’. As you know we adore Poppet and admire the way you and your partner have survived as parents with additional chllenges. She is a beautiful and charming little girl.
Well done on the blog/websire can’t wait to receive the updates. Can I post on my facebook and linkedin to extend the visibility?
Best love and wishes, Deb
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm. Of course I’m happy for you to post the link to your Facebook and linkedin. Thank you again.
Well done on starting the blog 🙂
you’re a gem and a true inspiration.
Thank you. I look forward to sharing with you our story.
I am the mother of a two and a half year old down syndrome boy. Looking forward to reading your blog. It’s funny as I read through your intro about the challenges we face having a child with a disability, I think as mothers we really don’t think of it that way we just do what we have to do. It has taken me 2 yrs to get where I am today but now, it is just who we are as a family and we feel normal. I hope you get what I’m trying to say. Oh and congratulations to you for starting the blog.
Hi Nicole. Thank you for taking an interest in my blog. I can remember when my little girl was two. It’s time of mixed emotions I must say. Lots of ‘milestones’ that may or may not be achieved, lots of exploration, lots of love and less of the Down syndrome. I look forward to sharing with you some of my experiences, the good’s and the bad’s. I hope you find it worthwhile.
Congratulations, my dear friend, on venturing into the unknown and daunting world of blogging, to give those of us who know and love you all further insight into your world, and for those that don’t know you, the ability to. It has been a joy to watch Gorgeous Girl grow to be such a beautiful-natured, sometimes stubborn, but always loving, human being. Having Down syndrome may be classified as a disability, however I believe in her case, it is an ability….. to teach the world that differences do not matter, they should be embraced. I had the pleasure of collecting her from school today and was touched by how many students in her mainstream school knew her, said hello, and were greeted in kind by her. Plus, I got my favourite thing…… a big hug.
Thank you. I totally love your comment about ‘ability’.
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Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google,… and found that it’s truly informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!