Please introduce yourself and your family and tell us a little bit about your grandchild who has Down’s syndrome?
My name is Mike, grandad to Amber and Emily. Emily has Down’s syndrome, but it doesn’t define who she is. She is such a determined little girl and I love watching spending time with
her.
When did you find out that Emily had Down’s syndrome and what did you feel when you heard the news?
We found out Emily had Down’s syndrome the day she was born. I was shocked at first. Because of my lack of knowledge of Down’s syndrome I was concerned about the impact it would have on Emily and her family.
What does being a grandparent mean to you?
The intensity of love I feel for my two girls and the love that they give me back. Every moment I spend with them is precious.
Were there any resources/groups/website/contacts that you found particularly helpful?
Our local Down’s syndrome support group have been really helpful. They made us feel very welcome. We have attended Makaton classes there and they have provided us with lots of information we can use to help Emily. Our contacts there are all parents of children with Down’s syndrome so they are an invaluable resource. I didn’t find the hospital information given to us when Emily was born useful at all. It painted a really negative picture.
What advice would you give new grandparents?
Once the initial shock has worn off, don’t be afraid, embrace this new precious life. Enjoy the new journeys that your little one will take you on. Be an advocate for them.
Resources for Grandparents
Tea at Grandma’s – the third book in the Looking Up series published by the Cornwall Down’s Syndrome Group (CDSSG)
In collaboration with Helen Laverty & Positive Choices Network, CDSSG have created “Tea at Grandma’s” which focuses on the important role of the often unsung heroes that are the grandparents, who can have “double the worry” for their own child and for their grandchild when a diagnosis of Down’s syndrome is given.
It’s available to order for £3.99 (incl free UK mainland postage)
Down’s Syndrome: Grandparents Chat UK – Closed Facebook group
Launched just two months ago, this Facebook group is exclusively for grandparents of children/young people with Down’s syndrome to share experiences and offer peer support.
If you would like to join visit the group page and click the ‘Join group’ button at the top.
Down’s syndrome: A leaflet for friends & family
This leaflet has been written to give you basic information about Down’s syndrome, to provide some tips about supporting the new parents and to highlight further sources of information.
Click here to download the leaflet or give us a call on 0333 1212 300 to request a copy.
Celebrating Our Lives, Our Stories and our YouTube channel
Our Celebrating Our Lives document profiles nineteen very different young adults with Down’s syndrome and gives you a window into what their lives are like. You’ll find a pdf version on our website here.
The Our Stories section of our website includes stories from people with Down’s syndrome of all ages and you’ll find a whole range of inspiring films on our YouTube channel.
#InclusionMatters
Lastly, here’s a little treat, courtesy of Daily Dose of Bella on Facebook . Bella recently had a starring role in a McCain’s advert with her Grandma and younger brother: