Why?  If there is something wrong the unborn child then families will have time to adjust to the news as well as set up the best care that there is for the child.  If you know your child will have Down Syndrome then you can be prepared for that, rather than shocked at the birth of your child.  This is most definitely in the best interest of the child and parents.

I do not believe in abortion, ever.  Even if there is something wrong with your unborn child.  But, I do still recommend all pregnant woman have screenings done to check for any problems.  Please feel free to comment with your thoughts and opinions- even if you do not agree with me.

Once the healthy baby has arrived, get some hoya de monterrey cigars and celebrate!

The best thing to do is to find some female friends.  For me, it’s hard to find and make friends.  One thing I have done to find some friends is to join The Mom Blogs forum.  There are some really great moms there who are willing to help out with questions or concerns or just chat.  Having that female conversation and bonding time is important.  Many times other moms are the only ones who can understand what you’re going through.  For me- my husband doesn’t understand many of the things I worry about.  He thinks I overreact.  But, my mommy friends understand completely.

I found a great article from parents.com with several suggestions to help make those car rides more bearable.  Here’s a few of my favorite choices:

1. Bring a cookie sheet and magnetic numbers or letters
2. Bring along a Travel ‘N Go Doodle
3. Add a toy steering wheel so your child can pretend to drive.
4. If you’re bringing along any new toys make sure you have scissors to get the toy out of the packaging.

Read to your child.  A lot.  Many young children naturally love books- develop this love of books.

Talk to your child.  A lot.  All day long.  Whatever you are doing- talk to your child, include him or her in your conversations.

Follow your child’s lead.  I do a lot of teaching with my young toddler, but I follow her lead.  If it’s fun or something she is interested I will come up with fun learning activities for her to do.  She thinks we’re just playing, but I know better.  If it isn’t fun anymore- we stop. This is just a few steps to take to help your child get ready for school, and those lsat prep test’s. Plus it will also help them become better readers.

1. Encourage healthy eating.  You don’t want to push too much or too little.  Your kids can sit around and eat junk food but you don’t want to deprive them of it either.
2. Encourage exercise.  Again- an area to be careful in.
3. Encourage their interests.  Don’t push yours onto your child- he or she has a mind of his or her own.

Any helpful ideas?

1. Have a schedule, but keep it flexible.  With your schedule you need to make sure to have time for several little breaks.  Stop your work and play with your toddler for 15 minutes or so, giving your undivided attention to your child.
2. Have special toys that your child can play with while you are working.  Only bring these toys out while you are working so your child does not bored with those toys.
3. Give your toddler special jobs to do.  My toddler always opens the mail for me.  She loves to do it and it’s good for fine motor skills.
4. I try to do as much communication as possible through email.  That way if my first chance to respond to someone is at 11pm, that’s okay.  A phone call at that time is not okay. Or use a mass notification system.
5. Do your housework- dishes, laundry, dusting, vacuuming while your toddler is awake.  My toddler loves to help with these jobs.  I give her a dusting cloth and she works right along side of me.  Then when she takes her nap and goes to bed I can get my computer work done.
6. Keep in mind what really matters.  Your clients or your child?  Seems pretty obvious right?  In a few years your child will be off to school and busy with friends most of the time.  So, make sure to get lots of quality time in now, while your child still wants to be with you.