Raising a Child with Down Syndrome ( Hailey is now Three! )

 Emerald is a full time elementary school teacher and mom to Hailey, a three year old girl with Down syndrome. Today I have asked  her to tell us how a typical day with Hailey goes, how she takes care of her as a working mom, with the challenges along the way and the joys of seeing her daughter develop in her own way. It is truly a big task for her raising a child with Down syndrome but she is not complaining, in fact she finds so much satisfaction in caring for her daughter whom she considers and angel in their midst.

Please enjoy reading this  first of a series of Mom/Dad stories on how special needs parents raise their special children.

Down syndrome girl turns three!

Related post: Raising a Child with Down Syndrome-our Baby is our Happy Pill

A Day with Hailey

by Emerald Mingoa

Raising a child with Down syndrome is a challenge and it even gets more difficult when you are a working mom.

Because I have to go to work every day, I am an early riser and the night before, I already plan on what food to prepare for my Hailey.

With her older siblings, it’s not much of a planning because they are easy to feed.

Though my Hailey has a big appetite, she’s quite choosy when it comes to food. She likes them savory. Something that would really tickle her taste buds.

Breakfast is a really important meal for her. After taking a bath, she expects to have a hearty meal.

We find it really amusing when her eyes turn big as she tastes her food and she likes it. She would do the thumbs up to her father’s delight as an approval that he did well in cooking.

Morning Routine

When Hailey wakes up in the morning, she can be very demanding for attention, she wants to be caressed, and of course, who are we not to give in?

I bathe her or sometimes her older sister would do that. For her, bath time is play time.

I cannot recall since the day she was born that she cried over bath time, which I sometimes see with typical kids.

After bathing and dressing up will be her feeding time. Now that she’s 3, she would drag her high chair and climb over it which makes us laugh and beam with pride.

Hailey is truly becoming independent!

Though you cannot leave her on her own feeding (you have to be at a distance because she would end up playing with the food, adding up to your unending task), she tries to feed herself.

She has a big appetite for food and her favorites include pasta and roast chicken.

Hailey would point to the fridge and make a licking sound referring to the popsicle which Jozsa, her older sister, makes for her. She would dutifully comply finishing her food because she knows her popsicle treat is waiting.

Playtime is fun time

Playtime would be her next thing to do. She learned to say ” clay, ” referring to the play dough she likes to play a lot.

We are all her playmates at home.

Hailey rekindles the ” small child, ” in all of us.

A few more hours and it would be feeding time again.

She has also learned to say “dede,” a local baby term for milk bottle, which she could finish in one sitting.

Nap time and socializing

Hailey loves to sleep in the afternoon. She would even sleep longer when there’s calming music playing.

Her nanny would bring her to school ( it’s a few minutes walking from our home ) later, after her nap time. There, she is able to mingle with kids which develops her social skills.

She used to be scared and aloof with them, but mingling with them in school, teaches her to be friendly and sociable.

She has now lots of friends.

Hailey’s development

She loves watching the television. Her favorite shows are ” Upin and Ipen, “ a Malaysian cartoon series, featuring twins and their learning adventures, and “Miraculous Ladybug,” also a cartoon series.

She has learned how to hum the tune of their theme songs.

For sure, Hailey loves to watch cartoons with kids as characters.

She would clap her hands in admiration and would sometimes imitate the words that she constantly hears.

Hailey can now say words such as Mommy, Daddy, the name of our dog Myka though not so clear, dede, referring to her feeding time, and words referring to her toys such as doll, clay and car, which she likes to ride a lot.

She may not be so good in uttering words, but definitely, she can also communicate through sounds and actions.

Hailey still cannot talk in sentences but truly she can send her messages across and we can understand.

During eating time when she’s full, she would get your attention motioning to return the small bowl that she uses, to the sink.

At three and 5 months, toilet training is still a challenge for Hailey at this time.

Slowly, I introduce her to her potty trainer, but she doesn’t like the idea of sitting on it at the moment and hopefully she will soon get used to it.

She still wears her nappy all day. Good thing is, she can say the word ” poo poo, ” so we are positive that it will be soon that she will be out of her diapers.

 

This post contains Affiliate links. Please read the full Affiliate disclosure here.

What's Inside You is Inside me, too, Raising a Child with Down Syndrome

 

Hannah's Down Syndrome Superpowers

Down on the Farm, Raising a Child with Down Syndrome

The Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome

 

 

 

Click on the images to grab these amazing books about Down syndrome

Home schooling

As a teacher, I am starting to teach her to learn the alphabet and the words that go with them.

We would start with A as apple, B ball and commonly C would be cat but instead of saying the word she would make a meowing sound, to our delight.

The same also applies with other letters like E as in egg, she makes a gesture like putting food on her mouth.

Hailey really gives joy to our family, with all her developments.

On Being a Working Special Needs Mom

It is definitely a challenging day juggling with work and taking care of Hailey, but the support of people around me lightens the burden of it all.

My co-teachers always understand my situation and are always there to lend a helping hand.

I know that God never gives us anything that we cannot do.

 No matter how difficult it can be, there are ways where you can get through.

A few more years and I know it will become easier to take care of Hailey.

We are all excited when she eventually goes to school, which would mean that she has become more  independent.

My support group

Social media is a big factor in making me informed of Hailey’s condition.

I have joined the Facebook group, ” Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, ” ( DSAPI ) , which is a non-profit organization exclusively for Down Syndrome families.

I am grateful that I found this platform where we share the same interests and varied stories in caring for our Down Syndrome kids.

I know that we are one and we learn from each other.

But of course my family is my greatest support. My husband and my other kids are always there for Hailey and me.

Down syndrome family support

And her nanny/ babysitter definitely, who takes care of her when I’m at work, makes my day easier.

Hailey loves her “Yaya Melody” because she is so caring and patient-never screams, always soft-spoken and readily gives in to her demands ( not always good, but Hailey is such a brat sometimes, thus so happy when she gets what she wants! ).

” Yaya Melody ” brings Hailey to school late in the afternoon where she joins my pupils in their activities, like this practice for their Christmas party the next day.

Isn’t Hailey a graceful dancer?

To show her love for Yaya Melody, Hailey says “bye” and gives her a hug and a kiss before she goes home to her family.

After school, when the babysitter is gone, I have to attend to household chores by myself, which is usually preparing food for my family, especially Hailey who is inspired to play good when she’s full.

Me time

Having a special child to care for, not having your husband around because he works overseas, and still working full time, can be such a tough job.

Thus, I see to it that I take care of myself as well so I can always be there for Hailey and her sisters.

It’s like pouring a cup into another cup.

I have to be healthy for my loved ones so they stay healthy as well.

When Hailey dozes to sleep on weekends, I run to the saloon for my nails and my hair coloring.

I have to look presentable not only for my work but I have to pamper myself once in a while to feel good about myself and feel confident that I am still the dazzling mom even if I have three kids, including a Down syndrome daughter.

My dreams for Hailey

Raising a Child with Down Syndrome

 

The days are fast and Hailey is now three years and 5 months. She is much more active and wanting for challenging activities.

Hailey is a girl with many talents. In the future, she could be a singer or maybe a band member. Learning from her older sister Amber, she likes to play the guitar and sing. We are so delighted of her when she does this!

 

Hailey also loves to dance, even without music, as you can see in the video above. She is just a happy kid, so innocent and loving!

I believe she is ready for school next year, though I was told she can be admitted to formal schooling at the Special Education program ( SPED ) only when she turns five.

In the meantime, I plan to enroll her in a local preschool class who handles typical children her age.

I never stop dreaming big for my beloved Hailey.

I have read some articles about adults with Down Syndrome who excel in their chosen careers.

I believe that Hailey is capable of becoming successful and will find happiness ( though being happy is inherent to them ) in everything that she does.

My Hailey is becoming mature each day, but she will always be my baby.

Raising a child with Down Syndrome

I feel so lucky having my daughter Hailey, who was found to have Down Syndrome at birth. Though I was not ready of her arrival, we have wholeheartedly welcomed her to our family.

Growing up, Hailey has shown lots of developments and caring for her is a constant struggle because I am working full time and my husband is not always around to help, but of course other support comes from her sisters, babysitter, my extended family, my co-teachers and other special needs parents that I communicate with online.

Big challenges in raising Hailey cannot compare to the joy and pride that we have of her achievements at 3 years and 5 months.

Did I say that Hailey loves to mimic me when I do my make up before work? With her toy make-up set, she would put on her “lipstick,” which she has learned to say, and would pretend that she is also going to work. 

Such a darling!

I will be here forever for my beloved Hailey.

To all other working moms out there of Down syndrome kids, I am with you on this journey and we will always survive each day that God gives us to handle.

Our kids’ smiles and hugs and showcase of talents truly erase all our weariness at the end of the day. 

Are you a special needs mom or dad of a Down syndrome child?

How are you facing the challenges of raising him or her? 

 

Click the images below to grab some materials to help your special child learn more at home.
Picture Books and Chapter Books for all ages

ABC Crafts for Uppercase LettersAll About Reading Pre-reading

Please like and share

17 thoughts on “Raising a Child with Down Syndrome ( Hailey is now Three! )”

  1. Wow! This is so lovely. 😘

    I had a fun and amazing time reading through this post about raising a child with down syndrome. Oh, I have seen kids and adults having down syndrome before now but the truth is I have never heard the phrase “down syndrome” until now. I just checked Google, that was how I knew I had seen kids and adults with down syndrome before.

    It’s indeed not easy to take care of a kid with down syndrome. From what I have read so far about Hailey, I can say that her parents, especially her mother is doing really well. Hailey is fun to be with, she is lovely and she has great talents. I love pasta too and I am aspiring to be a music superstar.

    I wish Hailey good luck in all that she does.

    All the best!

    Reply
  2. I like how you describe how expressive Hailey is when she finds food that she really enjoys! I bet that makes Dad feel really good about his cooking in the mornings! I also like that you’ve turned bath time into play time. This is something I recall my parents doing with me as a child and it has instilled a love of baths/showers (and in turn improved overall hygiene!). 

    Reply
  3. A very touching story, Marita. 

    I’d like to congratulate on how Emerald is handling things. Working a full time job and also giving so much love to her children is very admirable, especially with her husband abroad.

    I’m sure with her help Hailey will achieve great things in life and Down syndrome won’t hold her back, but will even help her explore hear abilities.

    So far both of them are doing great!

    Reply
  4. Wahooo, thanks a lot for this post. The key to taking care of children with down syndrome is – love.
    As parents and family members, we must see them as our responsibility and share equal love with them; this will help them find joy and acceptance.
    It can be very challenging to cope with them but the more you try to love them, the easier it becomes coping with them.

    Reply
    • You nailed it-LOVE is the most important thing in caring for Down syndrome kids and everything will just fall into place.

      Thanks for reading!

      Marita

      Reply
  5. Wow! Really a touching one to read about Hailey and how cute and beautiful she appears to be. 

    So interesting and great to see is the way her routine works and truly, I love that she is moving to independent stage by herself and that is really great. 

    Wow! One day, I wish I can just meet Hailey for once even if it is just to have a little cuddle with her. 

    My sister has a child with a down syndrome too. Thus, I really fancy this too.

    Reply
    • Hi Rodarrick,

      I know right, if you have Down syndrome in the family, just like your sister’s child, it’s so easy to relate to their stories.

      Indeed these kids are so lovable and cuddly.

      How old is your sister’s child?

      God bless,

      Marita

      Reply
  6. I believe everyone deserves equal treatment and every child deserves enough and adequate support in every area. 

    I’ve enjoyed every bit of this interesting article and I’ve also learned from the story of Hailey and how her mum manages to take care of her as a working mom. 

    This will serve as a good example to other parents and who knows, I might be of help in the aspect of planning their day.

    Reply
    • That’s true, Emerald and Hailey’s story is out to inspire other families with special needs kids, especially Down syndrome.

      I’m happy that you enjoyed this post.

      Cheers!

      Marita

      Reply
  7. Not just an inspiring read but very heartwarming, too! I always look up to moms who are strong and proud of their little ones like Hailey. Good luck to you, Emerald! May you continue to inspire others.

    Reply
  8. Thank you Doc Marita for allowing me to share my story and Hailey’s journey growing up.
    I hope that this will serve as an encouragement to other parents and their families raising Down Syndrome kids to never give up and cherish every single moment they share with their children.
    With God’s grace everything will be successfuly done.

    Reply
    • Hi Emerald,

      I do honor you for doing such a good job of caring and encouraging Hailey to be the best version of herself.
      Of course, I’m glad that you are sharing your story to all the parents of special needs kids for inspiration and for all the world to see that our Down syndrome kids have all the potential to shine.

      God bless,
      Marita

      Reply

Leave a comment

Wordpress Social Share Plugin powered by Ultimatelysocial
error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)

Pinterest
fb-share-icon
error: Content is protected !!
Verified by MonsterInsights