[Mama Julie]

Hello,

I'm a foster parent, and was asked if we would want a concurrent placement of a 5 yr old boy with downs syndrome. I have 3 other kids, (2 adopted and one long-term foster, ages 7, 9 & 10), and my husband & I wonder if adding a Downs child to the mix would just be too much. How demanding are these children of a mom & dad's time?
I talked to the current foster mom (she has had him for 2 weeks.) She said he can entertain himself with toys, books, etc., and likes to play with kids. His biggest challenge is that he likes to run off and/or wander. He loves playing at the playground, and will take off running towards the playground the second he gets out of the car or outdoors. And if a parent stops him, he falls to the ground because he doesn't want to be stopped, and he is chubby so is hard to pick up.
The foster parent has had him just 2 weeks, and said that he had just asked her the day before if he could go to the park, and that was such a huge step. So, he can learn the correct way of doing things. He uses sign language and has very little speech.
Do you think we would be in way over our head? I don't want to miss an opportunity to accept a gift from God though, the way I hear some people talk about these children, they sound very special. Thanks for your input!
Julie

[Withay]

Julie - You might get more replies and info if you looked/posted on the Special Needs forum. A lot of people there have experience with Downs.

Good luck.

[myheart]

Hi, my son has down Syndrome and he is the love of my life. Children with down syndrome vary in personality, physical abilities, motor and speech....etc. So, with the wide range of differences I can only speak from my experience. My son is 9 years old and is kind, loving,patient, loves playing with his cars and cousins. He is very helpful around the house. Can be stubborn ...my sister sez it has nothing to do with having down syndrome, according to her he's stubborn because he's spoiled, then again he is an only child. The only advise I can give you is visit with the child if at all possible. Speak to him, play with him....If you plan a visit ask current foster mom what types of toys or books he like and get to know him with his likes. When my son meets people for the 1st time he is shy, but when the person looks into his eyes and speaks to him, he relaxses and warms up to them, then again this is his personality. Best of luck to you...Keep me updated if at all possible.