A Shoutout to the Dads
This Father’s Day we are shining the spotlight on some pretty stellar dads in our community. We reached out to DSAA’s Black Down Syndrome Family Connection for help and they were not short on fathers to brag on.
See what they had to say about raising a child with Down syndrome - we are still picking our jaws up off the floor from reading their insights and are so proud of how they represent our community. Happy reading and Happy Father’s Day!
Do you know a new or expecting parent? Share this blog and direct them to our New Parents page and New Parent Resources for more information.
Jai and Rainbow
College Park, GA
What's the best thing about fathering a child with Down syndrome?
The sound of her successes. When she knows she has done something unexpected, that celebration is the purest form of joy. We love proving people wrong.
What has been your favorite memory or biggest surprise in parenting a child with DS?
The first visit to GiGi's Playhouse. It was the first time she had really been around kids that were her age and size. The way she just shined in that crowd and soaked up all the positive energy in that room.
The biggest surprise in parenting her is how much it's just like being a dad to a typical child. My baby girl is so much like her older sister and vice versa, that I often forget she has a diagnosis.
What has been the greatest lesson you've learned being a father to a child with DS and what advice can you give to a father beginning this journey?
The biggest lesson I have learned is that a diagnosis is a medical term but not a condition of life. Every child has challenges, you just look for them a little sooner with our kids.
If you are starting your journey with DS today I want you to know these three things:
your child's limitations will be directly related to your imagination and willingness to be uncomfortable.
They will love what you love simply because you love it but they will express that love a little differently.
The word "No" is just a starting point. It should never be accepted easily and should only be treated as a definitive term when you use it.
Tevin and Mason
Decatur, GA
What's the best thing about fathering a child with Down syndrome?
The best thing about being a DS dad to me is the way me and my son communicate and how strong our bond is. He’s my favorite person and most times I’m his favorite person!
What has been your favorite memory or biggest surprise in parenting a child with DS?
The biggest surprise is that it’s not as challenging as I thought it would be. You’re just a dad and it may take more work and patience but you get to celebrate even the smallest milestones that you may overlook or assume is easy in a typical situation.
What has been the greatest lesson you've learned being a father to a child with DS and what advice can you give to a father beginning this journey?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned being a father of a child with DS is that surrounding your child with good people and people that understand and are willing and able to help your child is very important.
The only advice I would give a father beginning this journey is to enjoy it and take your time.
Eddie and Milan
Decatur, GA
What's the best thing about fathering a child with Down syndrome?
Watching my daughter grow and learn. I also enjoy the laughs from my daughter’s big personality.
What has been your favorite memory or biggest surprise in parenting a child with DS?
My biggest surprise is how easy it is for my daughter and other children with Down syndrome to connect with others. Milan has never met a stranger and is often the life of the party.
What has been the greatest lesson you've learned being a father to a child with DS and what advice can you give to a father beginning this journey?
I have learned she is not a mascot or a teddy bear, but she is a human being with feelings and autonomy. Milan is her own person. I have to be careful to allow her to exercise that autonomy.
A piece of advice I would give a father beginning this journey is don’t try to have all the answers or fix your child. Instead, be a rock and an anchor for your family as you start this journey together.
