These parents include former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin with her son Trig as well as Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum whose daughter Bella was born with Trisomy 18, a disability similar to Down syndrome. But raising Down syndrome children can be easier if parents learn a few simple tips.

Raising a Down Syndrome Child
 
Craig Kendall, author of several books on special needs children says that parents are often the best source of tips and information for making life easier. According to Kendall, "Moms learn the best way to deal with the daily challenges that arrive when you have a special needs child, such as one with Down syndrome." Author Craig Kendall has interviewed hundreds of parents to learn what works and what doesn't when dealing with children with Down syndrome. "Nobody knows how to raise a special needs child better than a parent who lives with a son or daughter with Down syndrome," says Kendall. "I love interviewing parents to learn the amazing solutions parents come up with," says the author.

Challenges of Toilet Training
 
One of the challenges that all parents face is toilet training. This is particularly true of children with Down syndrome. According to Kendall, these children often develop at a slower emotional rate meaning that they will be in diapers longer and have "accidents" until later ages. But according to Craig Kendall, there are tips that can help a parent get through the toilet training process much more easily.
 
"Make sure you know your child's schedule. Most children will have routine voiding schedules," says Craig. "It also helps to ensure your child really needs to go. In anticipation of your child's voiding needs, give your child something to drink 15 minutes before you plan on a bathroom lesson," says Kendall. These two tips alone have helped a lot of parents according to Kendall.
 
"Down syndrome children are often visual learners so draw a picture with crayons of the toilet. This can really help," says Craig. "And make it fun!  Kids are kids, whether they have Down syndrome or not. Have your child's favorite books…perhaps a coloring book…available during his or her time in the bathroom," says the author.
 
And to ensure your Down syndrome child stays healthy and happy, download the free guide 12 Tips for New Moms of Down Syndrome Babies at www.downsyndromehope.com. And to ensure your Down syndrome child thrives and you enjoy a wonderful loving relationship with your Down syndrome loved one, read Craig Kendall's book, How to Live, Love and Succeed with Down Syndrome.