Finding a Balance

I always feel I second guess my parenting with Hailey at this age much more than I did with the boys.  Too much free play time, not enough free play time, right supplements, too much therapy, not enough therapy...you get the picture.  I have the same internal conflict with activities...how much do we do with groups with Down syndrome and how many do we do with all typical.  I know I've repeatedly told everyone how Hailey is more alike typical than not.  I do believe that raising Hailey thus far has not been harder than the boys at this age...just a little different.  However, I think each of the boys were different.  The same discipline that worked with Brayden has not worked with Ian. 

I don't want all of Hailey's activities to be 100% with children with special needs.  That isn't a true representation of the outside world.  However, I don't want Hailey to think she is the only one that has Down syndrome or is "different"  (yes, I hate that word to describe this, but at the moment, I can't come up with another word to explain it). 

Up until now, most of Hailey's activities have been all "typical".  The boys' sports, swim lessons, etc.  We have participated in a few events with our local Down syndrome group, but not a bunch so far.  I would like Hailey to participate in a few of the sports organizations that the boys have participated in, but I am well aware, there may be a point that we may want to consider a different route.  We were approached this past weekend at the grocery store, for Hailey (when she gets a little older) to join a special needs cheer/dance team.  I haven't decided how I feel about that yet.  It's a little early to form an opinion on it, but I guess I am glad that I know it is an option.

I have always been curious about the Special Olympics, but have never known where to start.  A member of one of our Ds groups posted a message about the Young Athletes Program (for ages 2-4) with the Special Olympics starting a session this past week.  I didn't know much about it, but thought it might be a good experience for all of us.  I signed her up and when the night came, I had both boys with me also.  I thought they would moan and groan when we got there.  There was a lot of dancing, jumping, and singing.  They were awesome big brothers (maybe a little rowdy), but they participated and worked with Hailey and didn't bat an eyelash.  I love those two :-)  Hailey seemed to enjoy it, but in true toddler form, didn't always listen and did her own thing :-)

So...bottom line....we will probably find a happy medium with Hailey's activities.  I would like her to have a broad range of friends.  I'm sure we will find a balance between the two that works for her and our family. 

Um...excuse me, Ian....I'm supposed to be doing that!