Continue with KEYS TO FAMILY HAPPINESS/When Your Child Is Disabled

SUGGESTION: Learn your child's condition.  "It takes wisdom to have a good family,"  the Bible says,  "and it takes understanding to make it strong."-Proverbs 24:3, New Century Version. 

You can learn much from medical professionals and reliable publications. You might compare the process of learning your child's condition to mastering a new language. At first, it will be difficult, but you can learn it. 

Carlo and Mia, quoted in the introduction, sought information from their doctor and an organization that specializes in their son's condition.  "This helped us to understand not only the problems that we could expect but also the 'positive aspects'  of Down syndrome," they say.  "We saw that our son could lead a life that in many respects would be normal.  This comforted us a lot."

TRY THIS:  Focus on what your child can do. Plan to engage in activities as a family.  When your child achieves even a small "victory," be quick to offer commendation and share in his or her joy. 

Next time: Continue with When Your Child Is Disabled - CHALLENGE 2: YOU FEEL EXHAUSTED AND EMOTIONALLY ISOLATED

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