299. Reasonable Risks for Our Kids with Down Syndrome
05/13/25 • 39 min
If you’re a parent, you’ve likely wondered.. Should I let my child use this public restroom on their own? Is my child able to handle these kitchen tools? Can I let my child attend this sleepover? And if you’re a parent to a child with a disability, you might have even more fears around these risky activities. It’s time for a conversation about reasonable risks for our kids with Down syndrome. Here’s what we’re chatting about today:
- What does “dignity of risk” mean?
- Is the risky activity an opportunity for growth or an opportunity for trauma?
- What makes our kids with disabilities more vulnerable even in “safe risk” situations?
- How we do know when to let them take the risk? And when to step in?
We know its dignifying to have the right to make a risky decision, but its also super scary when it comes to our children. Lets unpack this and problem-solve (or try to) together today.
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SHOW NOTES
Read ‘The Dignity of Risk’ by Amy Julia Becker
SHOUT OUT
If you’re a parent, you’ve likely wondered.. Should I let my child use this public restroom on their own? Is my child able to handle these kitchen tools? Can I let my child attend this sleepover? And if you’re a parent to a child with a disability, you might have even more fears around these risky activities. It’s time for a conversation about reasonable risks for our kids with Down syndrome. Here’s what we’re chatting about today:
- What does “dignity of risk” mean?
- Is the risky activity an opportunity for growth or an opportunity for trauma?
- What makes our kids with disabilities more vulnerable even in “safe risk” situations?
- How we do know when to let them take the risk? And when to step in?
We know its dignifying to have the right to make a risky decision, but its also super scary when it comes to our children. Lets unpack this and problem-solve (or try to) together today.
__
SHOW NOTES
Read ‘The Dignity of Risk’ by Amy Julia Becker
SHOUT OUT
Previous Episode
298. What’s going on with the Department of Education? (Part 2 w/Ashley Barlow)
Overwhelmed by all the news lately? Us too. That’s why Ashley Barlow (@thecollaborativeiep) is back on the show today to breakdown all of the changes to the Department of Education and the impact on students with disabilities. Here’s what we’re discussing today:
- Budget cuts and the impact on early learning for students with disabilities (no more Head Start program in 2026?!)
- Pros and cons of school choice and vouchers (What does “welfare for the rich” mean?)
- Action steps to make sure your child’s educational needs are met
We know that many of these changes have not happened yet, but the current political attitude towards disability has us a little worried. If you’re feeling the same way, stay informed and know that we’re all in this together.
SHOW NOTES
- Follow Ashley at @thecollaborativeiep and find her website here.
SHOUT OUT
- Learn more about The College of Adaptive Arts here and follow them on instagram!
SPONSORS
- Learn more about Jack’s Basket.
- Learn more about Enable Special Needs Planning.
Next Episode
300. A Deep Dive Into the Last 300 Episodes!
Well friends, we’re 300 episodes into the podcast and we finally figured out a way to keep track of just how long we’ve been doing this.. and no its not our neck wrinkles! Lets go behind the scenes today as we reflect on the last 7 years. We’re chatting about:
- What has changed in our lives (and the world) since starting the podcast?
- What have we learned (and unlearned) along the way?
- What are our favorite memories? And what are YOUR favorite memories? (Lots of listener feedback in this one!)
You’ve all been on quite the journey with us. We’ve experienced everything from childbirth, cross-country moving, moments of grief, new diagnoses, global pandemics, and so much more. A lot has changed for each of us but one thing will always be true.. Micha really is a great singer. And whether you’ve been here since the beginning, or you’re just joining us now, we are SO grateful for you. We hope our vulnerability has encouraged you and reminded you that you are not alone on this journey.
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SHOW NOTES
SHOUT OUT
Learn more about the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network
SPONSORS
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