Today I couldn't help but think of this post by Debbie at Three Weddings on the topic of wandering and eloping. Ralph has learned that he can open the door of his Sunday school room and escape. Is this going to be a problem? Will Ralph be a wanderer? An eloper? Is it common for a child with Down Syndrome to run away?
I worry about these things from time to time. I'm reminded of 16 year old Nathan Vredevelt who died after wandering onto a freeway last Spring. I'm looking for ways to give my son the freedom he craves and teaching him how to stay safe at the same time.
I came across a kid leash while shopping at the mall last week. You know - the kind with a little bear shaped backpack...or was it a monkey with a long tail? Is this the way to go? Am I robbing him of opportunities to learn to restrain himself by restraining him? I'm going to need to bounce these ideas off of my collection of friends with older children with Down Syndrome. Do you have any thoughts on the matter?
To be fair, Ralph is not the only one of my children to attempt to "escape" Sunday school classrooms. Thomas and Leroy immediately come to mind! Perhaps this will only turn out to be a two year old thing with Ralph?
Time to lighten up already. Photos anyone?
These are from the Fall Fest parade yesterday. I'm chuckling when I say Fall because the weather was windy and COLD!! At least I saved the $25 I would have spent on carnival rides! (I'm so cheap)
Check out the playpen on the back of this tractor!
Leroy doesn't care if it is cold.
Pink is good.
I just love that chin dimple!
He's looking tough in the monkey hat!
I don't normally care for the saggy baggy look, but I think Ralph can carry it off!
1 comments:
You're right, all kids can wander. My brother was known for it. But the thing with eloping is they KNOW when they have an opportunity and take advantage of it.
I personally don't like those leash things even though I understand why some people go there. For me, Peanut doesn't really elope. When she runs, it's a game and wants to make sure you are in on it before she takes off, so you have warning. I do however, use a stroller and shopping cart a lot to keep her contained, but I'm trying to work on her walking by me without running.
Ha! I don't think I've done anything but confused the issue. :) There is no right or wrong answer. You just have to do what's best for your family.
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