Out of the mouth of Babes

Our children really do have the power to stop us in our tracks with the unique way they view the world don't they? Out of the mouth of babes do we learn...

Beware of the whales!

Sometimes they make us stop and think. Other times they misunderstand a fact we take for granted and the results have us all in stitches. And then again, their honesty can floor us in seconds. 

This week, at bedtime as I was tucking Natty in with her new teddy, I told her how there was only one more day of school before the Easter holidays. Her little face cracked into a wide beam and she squeezed me enthusiastically tight.

I told her that we are going to do lots of fun things during the holidays, that we'd make a list together:

"Like painting and cooking." I said.

"And swings and slides and swimming?" she asked.

"Of course. We'll do lots of things you love. And we'll see lots of friends too. We're going to Wales to see some of Mummy's friends as well."

There was a pause while Natty pulled one of her trademark 'disgusted' faces.

"No! 

I don't want to. 

I hate Whales. 

They're big and scary. 

And sharks."

Well that certainly was not what I thought she was going to say. So off to the drawing board with explaining certain geographical locations we go. Might just be easier to stick to Cardiff to avoid confusion though. 

Swapped at Birth Because he has Down's syndrome

About 10 days ago I received an impassioned plea from a trusted online friend, Daniel Vais who works at the amazing inclusive dance group Culture Device Dance Project. Sarah Gordy is one of their most famous dancers and their productions are legendary.

Could you help Ahmed, swapped at birth and now a refugee?

The email cut straight to the point. Money was needed to help a little boy with Down's syndrome, born in Syria and swapped at birth for cash. A midwife made the swap without the other baby's mother's knowledge. She is now wracked with guilt and very ill herself. The 'adoptive mother' has just learnt of the situation.

Just when you thought they'd Let It Go, Frozen is back!

Frozen is back!

Natty isn't willing to Let this Lego castle Go

Just when you thought they'd Let It Go... 

Just when your sanity was returning and you were able to get your children to focus on anything other than snowmen and icy siblings...

My Top Ten Books About Down Syndrome

What are your favourite books, factual or fictional, for adults or children that have a theme of Down's syndrome running through them?

What are your top books about Down's syndrome ?

There are so very many and everyone has their preference. It's impossible to include them all here, but I think for me, the following would be my essential capsule library. These are the books I turn to for advice, those that make me smile, those that make me weep and those that have kept me going when the going got tough.

My Tops Ten Books About Down's Syndrome 

A Minor Adjustment by Andy Merriman
Sarah Merriman is six year's old, conventionally naughty and enchanting by turns, and a radio star. But unconventionally, she has Down's syndrome.

How Can You Get Involved in World Down Syndrome Day 2015

Saturday 21st of March is World Down Syndrome Day. It's a day of sharing information, of educating one another and offering support, as well as a day to share our stories and celebrate together.

Make a donation for World Down Syndrome Day

So, how can you get involved in #WDSD15?

What is Portage and why is it so powerful?

This article first appeared on the Mencap website

I'm a mother to eight-year-old Natty who has Down’s syndrome. Portage helped to give Natty a great start in life – she is flourishing in mainstream school and is also fronting national advertising campaigns as a model.

Portage is a powerful early years service

But people often don't know what portage is, so I just want to highlight why it was such a life-saver for me in the early days.

Guest Post: The Power of Puzzles

Emily Alexander has a magical secret... she works for Santa at The International Elf Service. She is also a Registered Osteopath and a Mum to a wonderful little boy who has Down's syndrome and sensory processing disorder.

Here she charts how sensory integration therapy is helping her son to achieve more when doing visual and cognitive tasks. As she points out, this intervention would not suit all children, but if your child is displaying some of the same symptoms, it might be worth investigating. In particular the power of jigsaw puzzles to help with visual overload is discussed.

You can read more about the start of her son's journey over on her blog Sensory Processing Disorder and Our Boy with Down's Syndrome.

The power of puzzles to help with Visual Overload

Down Syndrome Infographic: What are the facts?

We are delighted to launch a colourful infographic of facts about Down's syndrome, in association with Firefly 

Available to view on Pinterest

Tell Your Children Together

Many parents worry about how they should tell their children that they divorcing. My advice is always that you should tell your children together. You may not have felt very united recently but for the sake of your children sit down together and plan what you want to say to them and offer them some simple reassurances as this is an important moment in their lives.

Pos'Ability Magazine on the Up Side of Downs for World Down Syndrome Day: A Linky

World Down Syndrome Day 2015 is rapidly approaching. It's a chance to pull together to share knowledge and resources, to showcase, to inspire, educate and fundraise.

We are delighted to have done an in-depth interview with Pos'Ability Magazine: Nothing is Impossible covering some facts and myths about Down's syndrome, listing resources and charities and telling the story of our journey since our youngest daughter Natalia was born with the condition.

We'll also be taking to the airwaves on the 21st March and guest editing our own show on BBC Radio Cornwall. More about that and the interviews we will be doing nearer the time.

This post is a special linky for the month, for you to share your thoughts, experiences, articles and posts for #WDSD15 below. This is a time when we pull together around the world, working to the same goals. I feel very privileged to be a part of such an amazing family.

Thank you all x