My son with DS is now 45…but I absolutely remember as a young mom being heartbroken watching other kids reach developmental goals and leaving my son behind! If I went to a park or swimming pool with other moms I could never just sit back and relax and visit because I knew he wasn’t capable of being safe without my very watchful eye. And still have to do it is today…he must always be watched! He is a nice person with a great sense of humor and we all love him dearly…but he has no common sense…and yes he is stubborn! People used to tell me that God will not give you more then you can withstand, but some days I had to wonder!❤️😊
Yes! The meltdowns in public and nobody knowing they are autistic is hard! I just don’t pay any attention to the looks or comments anymore. I leave that up to God and I focus on the child he gave me.
Yes! That's true! I just focus on my child being happy, loud, expressing himself through playing... but sometimes, cause you can't see a disability visually in an autistic child, you get some comments that you wish your ears can simply ignore! 😣
Leilani, this spoke to my heart. My son has struggled with ADHD for years now, and people just do not understand it. They always viewed him as a behavior problem instead of trying to understand him and help him.
Oh so frustrating! Happened/happens with my oldest daughter who has SPD. People did not understand her because they couldn't SEE that she had an issue. I wish people would look beyond their own experiences and try to understand these kids and the lovely people who parent and care for them.
NEEDED THIS!! Thank you so much for being here, and for taking the time to share. Can not TY enough for your willingness in being so transparent & real! Hugs & Blessings! Mama!
Thank you for sharing! You always seem to bring fourth honestly with love. Just to share, I was pregnant with THREE friends at the same time (all 37 yrs old) and I was the one who got the ds diagnosis. My daughter is only 1 1/2 but I can see it might get tough watching them all grow differently. I’m just so grateful for people like you who share the beautiful and the not so beautiful parts of this journey. Feeling like we aren’t alone is worth more than gold. Thank you 🙏🏼
Thank you , thank you for this video! My son has autism and I’m an older mom. No one gets the time, struggles, etc. I homeschool and this year I dread the question “what grade is he in?” He’s almost 9 , “should be “ in 3rd grade but we are doing 1st grade work. He’s a blessing and I love him dearly but sometimes in our world it’s just hard!
As a mother who’s also homeschooling(unschooling) her girl with Down Syndrome I feel you❤️. It’s hard and you are such an amazing mama. Sending you love and hugs from India 🇮🇳
As a mother to a 2year old with ds, I get it totally. But hay that's ok. Our lives are different so our journeys are different. Our kids are happy and so are we.
Wow, you have no idea how that was like listening to mine and my wife’s life! We have a 3 year old boy called Uri who has DS and this was just awesome to hear that we are all going through the same fears and concerns. Thank you for this.
This really great helping people to understand how different it is raising a child with special needs. I can't imagine how you balance your time with all the children. This is so heart felt. Blessings friend!!
Oh man. This speaks to my heart so much. Friends wouldn’t just come over to my house to hang out when I couldn’t go anywhere because of my daughters constant seizures. Other moms don’t want to be stuck at home with you or have to witness such horrible horrific images of a baby seizing. It’s a very isolating parenthood. 💜
Hi, I have a daughter with DS and we live in Mauritius. I just saw your video and I can fully understand you and relate to your situation because I am just in it right now as well. My daughter is now 3 1/2 and I see her growing and I see her progress but it takes enormous strength and effort to raise her and to follow her. At the same time I see the other kids developping so much faster that she canßt keep up. She is also everywhere "the baby" and it sometimes makes me angry because she is not a baby any more. It hurts what is happening around you and me, I can totally relate to this. And I totally know what it means to put her in bed. I have been hurt several times already, yes, they are strong. The thing is that we have in ourselves the expectations and the wishes for them but our kids are following a different path. I have 2 good friends with DS children who gave me some wise words which I have to remind myself sometimes, I would like to pass them on to you as well, maybe they help. But I would like to do this in a private conversation if you want. You can send me a message if you like.
YES!!! Even though we know and are aware of the delays it is still so hard. Wanting to see our kids be able to play with other children their age appropriately, without being treated like the baby. Also, watching other kids say things at the playground or even kids we know that are the exact same age say things to my son... it is extremely hard. It has really surprised me that other kids, age 3, have said things like "Yuck, get away. You're weird." Or they have said, "I don't like you." And they have shoved him down. They feel like they can drag him around even when he is screaming no, stop :( And not being able to socialize with friends at the playground. Gosh wish I could give you a hug. This is exactly how I feel too. Hugs mama.
So relatable Leilani... It gets so frustrating sometimes.. And some 'Educated' people have the nerve to say that my son has this condition because I did something wrong in my pregnancy.. Big Salute to the level of ignorance..
I am a mom who homeschooled..I also have cerebral palsy..I understand ..my parents were told I would never walk,talk or live on my own..but God had other plans..Take heart mama..you are doing an awesome job!💗
I keep coming back to this video every other day. It’s just comforting knowing I’m not alone. Third time watching this and third time tearing up hearing you talk about the family with the older child there’s a light at the end and we are slowly crawling there.
You are such a wonderful, genuine, and loving momma! You are doing a great job! Thank you for your candid video - sending hugs from my house to yours. I have a daughter with SPD - she's 20 now, still at home, learning to navigate the world. Fining a community is hard for parents like us. Some people just don't know how to interact with people and situations because they've never learned to see others as a valuable, worthy, individual soul. I hope we can bridge this gap in our lifetimes!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I have a son with DS who is 7 months old, and I really appreciate all the welcoming arms of the special needs community.
I don’t have a child with downs, however, losing a baby has taught me to watch my words and stop trying to help with them. I try to just listen and I also ask people things. I like being real and explaining my ignorance so that I can better understand. It seems to help on both sides I have found. I love how you’re so helpful to us. God bless you. God bless Naomi, God bless your family.
Thank younso much. Your video is such a blessing. It is so nice to meet you and your family. I totally am in a similiar boat as you. My son is 13 with autism. I love him so much. It has been hard. The loneliness and exhaustion is so real. His maturity level is probably on 9 year old. I have been saddened may times when he struggles with sensory problems, difficulty reading social cues, and meltdowns. The biggest blessing is that he loves the Lord and tells people Jesus loves them. He has no fear talking to people about God. I know he is exactly how God wanted him to be. The difficulties will show God's glory in the future. We also homeschool as well. I'm trying to figure out how to homeschool high school with special needs. He is behind in math by several years. I'm not sure whether to hold him back a year so he can get caught up. Do you know any good resources for homeschooling special needs in the high school years?
That's hard. I would definitely hold him back and keep him at his level. No need to push him when he's not ready for that. For High School, I would look at the younger years, look at middle school curriculum, or whatever level they are at. Also, consider developmental age. I would also keep searching through UA-cam. I'm sure there are some High School homeschoolers. Hope that helps some.
Thank you so much Leilani for sharing your heart and your perspective. I think it's important for everyone to hear this. I know it will help me to be more mindful as well. ❤
Thanks for sharing. Your channel is such a helpful tool for us expecting moms of babies with DS. I love your honesty and transparency, and you do such a wonderful job with your child, despite the challenges. You are an inspiration! 🥰
What drives me crazy is people talk to me, with my brother right next to me, like he is not standing there and they are asking me questions that he can answer.
“Goodbye,” said the fox. “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” “What is essential is invisible to the eye,” the little prince repeated, so that he would be sure to remember. “It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.” “It is the time I have wasted for my rose-” said the little prince, so that he would be sure to remember. “Men have forgotten this truth,” said the fox. “But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed. You are responsible for your rose …” Antoine de Saint Exupéry
This is such an amazing video. There are things I never even thought of that I could change in myself and my family to help my friends with special needs. Thank you for sharing.
Sending virtual hugs, friend. ❤️ It is hard. And honestly it gets even harder in some ways as they get older the peer difference gets bigger and bigger.
I get it....it is hard. As your child gets older the larger the gaps in development appear. I have an autistic, bipolar teenager. People definitely can be harsh with her, I have to remind myself that I am her advocate....its my job to educate others when she cannot do it. My heart and prayers are with you, and all families that have children who have special needs.
Hey hi I m a mother of 14 mnth baby girl with down syndrome. Yes my child is not doing the same thing tht the other baby of her age is doing yes smtym I being upset but smtym I thought its perfectly fine noone have the same ability to do the same thing at the same age. Thing is we just do our duty nd make her independent nd I hope I do this. Thanku for sharing your experiences. whnever I see ur baby I always think mine is same ,she is just sweetheart. Love her alot. Nd yes everyone is like she is not walk 1 year baby is walk 2 to 4 step alone why she is not so my reply is she have lots of tym to do all such thing so slow is good nd I guess being slow is best.
Hi Leilani, I just stumbled across your videos this week as I started to research potty training a child with Down syndrome. My son with DS just turned 3 so I thought we should start that daunting journey soon. Your videos are a breath of fresh air in our journey to trying to figure this all out. I appreciate your honesty and humor, it’s so encouraging to hear real stories of where you’re at on this journey. Would love to connect with you more when you have the time. Blessings! -Amy
I'm hear on YT, I do have an IG account but I am not as active as I would like to be. Yeah, that's why I did them. For a lot of us, being real, the three day no potty training thing is just not happening. I think people should hear that too. Children are not machines. And there is no miracle pill.
My husband and I enjoy your videos. You are the most relatable person on UA-cam to me. Our daughter with down syndrome will be 4 in April. Thank you for sharing your journey!
I so understood this and felt it on a deep level. My son had a rare Condition called Tuberous Sclerosis. Looks typical and can be so misunderstood. Covid has isolated him since he has a immune issue. I appreciate your channel I am in the process of gathering my plan to withdraw an homeschool
Totally relatable,I have to deal with ppl staring at my daughter and commenting awww she sooo pretty is her dad Chinese? I'm like no she has ds,she's totally the boss in my family lol and thank God for my other kids too they really help her out as well
Oh my goodness. That's tough. I've never had that comment before. I don't know how you kept a straight face. But it's hard. It's really hard, people are for sure interesting and a lot of interesting things to say.
My son with DS is now 45…but I absolutely remember as a young mom being heartbroken watching other kids reach developmental goals and leaving my son behind! If I went to a park or swimming pool with other moms I could never just sit back and relax and visit because I knew he wasn’t capable of being safe without my very watchful eye. And still have to do it is today…he must always be watched! He is a nice person with a great sense of humor and we all love him dearly…but he has no common sense…and yes he is stubborn! People used to tell me that God will not give you more then you can withstand, but some days I had to wonder!❤️😊
Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️
Yes! The meltdowns in public and nobody knowing they are autistic is hard! I just don’t pay any attention to the looks or comments anymore. I leave that up to God and I focus on the child he gave me.
That's good advice.
Yes! That's true! I just focus on my child being happy, loud, expressing himself through playing... but sometimes, cause you can't see a disability visually in an autistic child, you get some comments that you wish your ears can simply ignore! 😣
Leilani, this spoke to my heart. My son has struggled with ADHD for years now, and people just do not understand it. They always viewed him as a behavior problem instead of trying to understand him and help him.
That's so hard, I get that with my other ADHD kiddo too.
Oh so frustrating! Happened/happens with my oldest daughter who has SPD. People did not understand her because they couldn't SEE that she had an issue. I wish people would look beyond their own experiences and try to understand these kids and the lovely people who parent and care for them.
NEEDED THIS!! Thank you so much for being here, and for taking the time to share. Can not TY enough for your willingness in being so transparent & real! Hugs & Blessings! Mama!
Ahh thanks! Blessing to you too.
Thank you for sharing! You always seem to bring fourth honestly with love. Just to share, I was pregnant with THREE friends at the same time (all 37 yrs old) and I was the one who got the ds diagnosis. My daughter is only 1 1/2 but I can see it might get tough watching them all grow differently. I’m just so grateful for people like you who share the beautiful and the not so beautiful parts of this journey. Feeling like we aren’t alone is worth more than gold. Thank you 🙏🏼
Thank you so much for the sweet complement. Enjoy these years, I bet she adorable!
Thank you , thank you for this video! My son has autism and I’m an older mom. No one gets the time, struggles, etc. I homeschool and this year I dread the question “what grade is he in?” He’s almost 9 , “should be “ in 3rd grade but we are doing 1st grade work. He’s a blessing and I love him dearly but sometimes in our world it’s just hard!
As a mother who’s also homeschooling(unschooling) her girl with Down Syndrome I feel you❤️. It’s hard and you are such an amazing mama. Sending you love and hugs from India 🇮🇳
That's awesome that it's legal to homeschool in India. I did not know that. Virtual hug back!
Living with a child with special needs is something no one can understand until they have done it.
As a mother to a 2year old with ds, I get it totally. But hay that's ok. Our lives are different so our journeys are different. Our kids are happy and so are we.
Great advice!
Wow, you have no idea how that was like listening to mine and my wife’s life! We have a 3 year old boy called Uri who has DS and this was just awesome to hear that we are all going through the same fears and concerns. Thank you for this.
Oh that makes me feel good too. It’s so hard sometimes but it’s nice to know your not alone.
This really great helping people to understand how different it is raising a child with special needs. I can't imagine how you balance your time with all the children. This is so heart felt. Blessings friend!!
Oh man. This speaks to my heart so much. Friends wouldn’t just come over to my house to hang out when I couldn’t go anywhere because of my daughters constant seizures. Other moms don’t want to be stuck at home with you or have to witness such horrible horrific images of a baby seizing. It’s a very isolating parenthood. 💜
Oh man, I am so sorry. If I lived near you, I would totally come over.
Hi, I have a daughter with DS and we live in Mauritius. I just saw your video and I can fully understand you and relate to your situation because I am just in it right now as well. My daughter is now 3 1/2 and I see her growing and I see her progress but it takes enormous strength and effort to raise her and to follow her. At the same time I see the other kids developping so much faster that she canßt keep up. She is also everywhere "the baby" and it sometimes makes me angry because she is not a baby any more. It hurts what is happening around you and me, I can totally relate to this. And I totally know what it means to put her in bed. I have been hurt several times already, yes, they are strong. The thing is that we have in ourselves the expectations and the wishes for them but our kids are following a different path. I have 2 good friends with DS children who gave me some wise words which I have to remind myself sometimes, I would like to pass them on to you as well, maybe they help. But I would like to do this in a private conversation if you want. You can send me a message if you like.
So my email is lei101978@hotmail.com
YES!!! Even though we know and are aware of the delays it is still so hard. Wanting to see our kids be able to play with other children their age appropriately, without being treated like the baby. Also, watching other kids say things at the playground or even kids we know that are the exact same age say things to my son... it is extremely hard. It has really surprised me that other kids, age 3, have said things like "Yuck, get away. You're weird." Or they have said, "I don't like you." And they have shoved him down. They feel like they can drag him around even when he is screaming no, stop :( And not being able to socialize with friends at the playground. Gosh wish I could give you a hug. This is exactly how I feel too. Hugs mama.
Virtual hug!
I have a 16yr old non verbal autistic son....It's nice not to feel alone....the loneliness ....This hits home...
Yes! I get this, it's so hard.
Yep my daughter is smaller dealing with feeding issues balance and strength best way to educate parents
You're right, its not our job to get upset. It's our job to educate. Thanks!!
So relatable Leilani... It gets so frustrating sometimes.. And some 'Educated' people have the nerve to say that my son has this condition because I did something wrong in my pregnancy.. Big Salute to the level of ignorance..
Loved this Leilani! Hearing from other special needs parents like you always brings me comfort and validation. You’re incredible! 💜
Thank you!
I am a mom who homeschooled..I also have cerebral palsy..I understand ..my parents were told I would never walk,talk or live on my own..but God had other plans..Take heart mama..you are doing an awesome job!💗
Amen!
Your testimony is so awesome for me with my daughter ty
You are super mom for real and Naomi is amazing. 😍God bless you ❤
My brother totally plays the I do not know how to do something card, but he totally know how to do it and he is 35.
I keep coming back to this video every other day. It’s just comforting knowing I’m not alone. Third time watching this and third time tearing up hearing you talk about the family with the older child there’s a light at the end and we are slowly crawling there.
Thank you so much! That was exactly my goal, not the crying part, but the realization we are not alone in this.Blessings.
You are such a wonderful, genuine, and loving momma! You are doing a great job! Thank you for your candid video - sending hugs from my house to yours. I have a daughter with SPD - she's 20 now, still at home, learning to navigate the world. Fining a community is hard for parents like us. Some people just don't know how to interact with people and situations because they've never learned to see others as a valuable, worthy, individual soul. I hope we can bridge this gap in our lifetimes!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I have a son with DS who is 7 months old, and I really appreciate all the welcoming arms of the special needs community.
I don’t have a child with downs, however, losing a baby has taught me to watch my words and stop trying to help with them. I try to just listen and I also ask people things. I like being real and explaining my ignorance so that I can better understand. It seems to help on both sides I have found.
I love how you’re so helpful to us. God bless you. God bless Naomi, God bless your family.
Blessing to you too.
Thank younso much. Your video is such a blessing. It is so nice to meet you and your family. I totally am in a similiar boat as you. My son is 13 with autism. I love him so much. It has been hard. The loneliness and exhaustion is so real. His maturity level is probably on 9 year old. I have been saddened may times when he struggles with sensory problems, difficulty reading social cues, and meltdowns. The biggest blessing is that he loves the Lord and tells people Jesus loves them. He has no fear talking to people about God. I know he is exactly how God wanted him to be. The difficulties will show God's glory in the future.
We also homeschool as well. I'm trying to figure out how to homeschool high school with special needs. He is behind in math by several years. I'm not sure whether to hold him back a year so he can get caught up. Do you know any good resources for homeschooling special needs in the high school years?
That's hard. I would definitely hold him back and keep him at his level. No need to push him when he's not ready for that. For High School, I would look at the younger years, look at middle school curriculum, or whatever level they are at. Also, consider developmental age. I would also keep searching through UA-cam. I'm sure there are some High School homeschoolers. Hope that helps some.
4 special needs kids. I get this so much. Thanks for this.
Thank you for sharing. Its real life
I can’t imagine some of the struggles... but I can see how God has used Naomi to better you and your kiddos! What a blessing!
Shalom Leilani!
Your video spoke right into my heart. The journey is not easy but surely rewarding. Blessings to your beautiful family
Thank you so much Leilani for sharing your heart and your perspective. I think it's important for everyone to hear this. I know it will help me to be more mindful as well. ❤
Thanks for sharing. Your channel is such a helpful tool for us expecting moms of babies with DS. I love your honesty and transparency, and you do such a wonderful job with your child, despite the challenges. You are an inspiration! 🥰
Oh blessing to you and you soon to be! I pray everyday for those beautiful babies. Thanks for the encouragement.
What drives me crazy is people talk to me, with my brother right next to me, like he is not standing there and they are asking me questions that he can answer.
I spent the whole time nodding while watching this! What a great encouragement!
Congratulations Love them well homeschool. !
“Goodbye,” said the fox. “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
“What is essential is invisible to the eye,” the little prince repeated, so that he would be sure to remember.
“It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.”
“It is the time I have wasted for my rose-” said the little prince, so that he would be sure to remember.
“Men have forgotten this truth,” said the fox. “But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed. You are responsible for your rose …”
Antoine de Saint Exupéry
This has really encouraged me..thank you
Thank you❤️
I love this! Thanks for being real! It helps so many to understand.
Thanks for your honesty. It's important for all of us who aren't in your shoes to hear this.
This is such an amazing video. There are things I never even thought of that I could change in myself and my family to help my friends with special needs. Thank you for sharing.
Sending virtual hugs, friend. ❤️ It is hard. And honestly it gets even harder in some ways as they get older the peer difference gets bigger and bigger.
I get it....it is hard. As your child gets older the larger the gaps in development appear. I have an autistic, bipolar teenager. People definitely can be harsh with her, I have to remind myself that I am her advocate....its my job to educate others when she cannot do it.
My heart and prayers are with you, and all families that have children who have special needs.
Bless you too. And yes an advocate!
I have autism, adhd, anxiety and a little bit of SPD(sensory processing disorder)
Yes! Absolutely know this struggle 💜💜💜💜 it’s hard, the ignorant comments.
This video touched my heart really hard! ❣
❤❤❤❤
Hey hi I m a mother of 14 mnth baby girl with down syndrome. Yes my child is not doing the same thing tht the other baby of her age is doing yes smtym I being upset but smtym I thought its perfectly fine noone have the same ability to do the same thing at the same age. Thing is we just do our duty nd make her independent nd I hope I do this. Thanku for sharing your experiences. whnever I see ur baby I always think mine is same ,she is just sweetheart. Love her alot.
Nd yes everyone is like she is not walk 1 year baby is walk 2 to 4 step alone why she is not so my reply is she have lots of tym to do all such thing so slow is good nd I guess being slow is best.
Its h---l da-mation and torture.. You get to watch the person you love most suffer every day
CORRECTION**: My email is wrong in the description. It is lei101978@hotmail.com
Hi Leilani, I just stumbled across your videos this week as I started to research potty training a child with Down syndrome. My son with DS just turned 3 so I thought we should start that daunting journey soon. Your videos are a breath of fresh air in our journey to trying to figure this all out. I appreciate your honesty and humor, it’s so encouraging to hear real stories of where you’re at on this journey. Would love to connect with you more when you have the time. Blessings! -Amy
I'm hear on YT, I do have an IG account but I am not as active as I would like to be. Yeah, that's why I did them. For a lot of us, being real, the three day no potty training thing is just not happening. I think people should hear that too. Children are not machines. And there is no miracle pill.
My husband and I enjoy your videos. You are the most relatable person on UA-cam to me. Our daughter with down syndrome will be 4 in April. Thank you for sharing your journey!
Ahh thank you! And happy early birthday. April is such a good birthday month.
I so understood this and felt it on a deep level. My son had a rare Condition called Tuberous Sclerosis. Looks typical and can be so misunderstood. Covid has isolated him since he has a immune issue. I appreciate your channel I am in the process of gathering my plan to withdraw an homeschool
So many prayers for you and your family. I can't imagine the struggle you have with the isolation. Thank you so much for your encouragement.
I love your honesty. It does feel good to just get things off your chest!
I LOVE IT 🥰 THANK YOU ☺️
👏👏👏👏👏 Vent away. I really appreciated hearing all that you shared.
So much love to you and your family. May GD continue to smile upon you and your beautiful family. Have a happy Purim.
Same to you!
This was help! Thank you for sharing 💙
Thank you for sharing your heart mama ❤️
You are so welcome
Hugs to you..you are doing great job 👏
Congratulations Love them well homeschool on your win.
I had one man say I'm sorry
Totally relatable,I have to deal with ppl staring at my daughter and commenting awww she sooo pretty is her dad Chinese? I'm like no she has ds,she's totally the boss in my family lol and thank God for my other kids too they really help her out as well
Oh my goodness. That's tough. I've never had that comment before. I don't know how you kept a straight face. But it's hard. It's really hard, people are for sure interesting and a lot of interesting things to say.
@@LivingWithEve Yes they sure do
🤦♀️ Some people...
Loved this video! ❤️