Blog #Parenting

Following a rare summer of gloriously warm weather we are back in a routine of school, afterschool activities, sports timetables and speech and language therapies. Maisie is in her second year of ECCE so she will start primary school next September. She has a packed schedule this year including Montessori until 12.30 daily and one afternoon at a playgroup organised by St. John of God disability services. At the latter she receives one to one teaching to support her cognitive and social skills and when I collect her there is so much laughter I wonder has she done any work at all! The staff are wonderful and I feel lucky that Maisie benefits from this wonderful service. She also adores her regular playschool, the children are friendly and she loves her spanish teacher Maria. At home she could be playing or drawing and the next thing she’s putting the toy or sketch into her school bag to “show Maria”. Edel is Maisie’s AIM worker and the two of them bonded immediately last year. It’s wonderful and reassuring to know Maisie enjoys all of these experiences and is eager to learn and engage in new experiences.

This week Maisie and I attended a photo shoot for Down Syndrome Ireland, where I was interviewed and Maisie had videos and photos taken of her having great fun playing with colourful socks! “Lots of Socks” is the advertising campaign run by Down Syndrome Ireland this year and we were delighted to be asked to participate. She really enjoyed being the centre of attention and immediately started playing hide and seek whilst hopping like a bunny. We were hoping to have Maisie sit beside me whilst I was interviewed but this little lady had other ideas. Nevertheless it all went well and great shots were taken of Maisie and one of her saying “thank you” at the end. It’s purpose is to raise awareness of Down Syndrome and this years theme is “Dreams”. My dream is for Maisie to be happy of course and to pursue her passions. We know that she’ll lead a fulfilling life and will find meaningful employment. But my other dream, one that’s the same for all parents of children with disabilities is for people to look beyond the disability. Don’t underestimate our children, they are more capable than you think!