Real talk – Parenting can be a struggle. Multiply that over a hundred times when you are a parent to
a child with special needs. You either accept and embrace it with open arms or you crumble into a
million pieces.
I’ve long accepted the role of being a parent to a child with Down syndrome, always looking at the
positive side of things, long talks with the hubby, family and friends. But there are times, it does get
really difficult.
For a time now, Marian has been struggling with her social skills. She has always been friendly and a
people person. But her excitement to engage with others usually overwhelms her senses (or as her
therapist would say – “sensory overload”) and that whenever she approaches kids her age, she will
either pinch them or pull their hair.
It is not a pretty sight. Both me and hubby almost always pre-empts this and apologise to the parent
when it happens (or about to). Sometimes we miss it and the poor kid will react in confusion,
surprise or even fear. We cannot help but feel sorry for the kid and the parent. We can only talk to
Marian and explain to her why she SHOULD NOT do that because it is painful for the person
receiving it.
I can only hope that she outgrows this with continuous therapy and more pep talks. In time, I know
she will. It is an effort to let other people know of my child’s behaviour when she gets excited, happy
or sad. Sometimes, I also need to remind myself to be more patience to both of us when things get
rough.
