downs syndrome Special kids mark day

Single mother shares experience raising Downs Syndrome child
ZAFIYA SHAMIM
Suva
Being a single parent is not an easy job and there are a lot of things you have to deal with from the financial to the emotional needs of your family, says Margaretta Nofoimuli.
Sharing her experience as a mother and a working woman at the World Downs Syndrome day celebration at the Early Intervention School in Suva yesterday, Ms Nofoimuli said bringing up a child with Downs Syndrome had its challenges.
“My son William James is six-years-old and he means the world to me,” the 37-year-old said.
She believes that for a parent to better cope with their special child, it is important that they are equipped and knowledgeable about their child’s condition to know what kind of intervention to give him or her.
“Being a working mother does not make things easier but I’m thankful that my mother, Nunia Nofoimuli, takes good care of William.”
She said William was really fond of her grandmother and loved spending time with her.
“It is very important that parents expose their child to the public, treating a special child like a normal child and giving them proper discipline is very important in bringing them up.”
Ms Nofoimuli said if parents could discipline a normal child, then they could also discipline a special child.
“If I tell my son that something is not allowed then I keep on repeating that to him so as he grows up, he will know what is right or wrong.”
She said despite how busy parents were, they should always spend quality time with their children and they should also expose their children to the normal life and not hide them from the public.
“My son loves shopping, playing indoor games and going to church on Sunday.”
She said William also loved watching gospel music video.
zafiya.shamim@fijisun.com.fj