Mom didn’t trust 8-year-old with Down syndrome to watch younger brother—a tear-jerking sight proved her wrong
Love pushes one to overcome all obstacles and struggles to render some of the most powerful and beautiful results. A mom named Andrea (@incaseyouredown) was worried about her 8-year-old son, Case, with Down Syndrome, handling her youngest. Worried that he might not be able to fully manage his safety without another person, she refrained from leaving her babies in his care. However, one day she hurriedly rushed to her younger son and found him with his older brother. Worried about having left him unattended, she was stunned at the sight she arrived at. Her 8-year-old proved her wrong in the most assuring way.
Andrea mentioned how she was never sure of leaving her younger kids with her oldest due to his condition. “He acts differently than a typical 8-year-old and I’ve never really trusted him to watch his siblings,” the mom mentioned. She then recalled an instance that pushed her to reflect deeply on her opinions. One day, when she had to take a shower, she jokingly asked her son to look after his 1-year-old sibling, Rigs. “Will you babysit Rigs for me?” she asked. The enthusiastic Case assured his mum he’d do his best. While Andrea never planned on leaving the duo unattended for long, she was stunned at the sight she returned to.
The duo had left their preset arrangement of toys indoors and Case had carefully taken his younger brother outside and was playing with him with “undivided attention.” A glimpse of him watching Rigs as he played on the swing was beyond evident that he knew how to do his job meticulously. They both went through all the playing equipment, Case gently and sweetly guiding his brother and then playing with him. The mom couldn’t help but stare in awe and realize that he was babysitting and perfectly at that. “This was one of those moments that my eyes swelled and the lump in my throat rose,” she mentioned.
As she watched the visual before her eyes, she couldn’t help but understand that Case might have had obstacles but his love ensured he did his duty as an older brother. She reflected on how people often “judge” what others with disabilities can and cannot do. “It was a quick gut-punch reminder that I might be doing the same, too,” she remarked. She acknowledged that “some things are plain harder with a child with a disability,” and how she would get jealous seeing other kids. However, this instance changed things. Andrea could now understand how his unique features enhanced who he was.
“I would never change him. It is the most special thing to raise him. I’m the luckiest that I get to watch him have these kinds of relationships with his siblings,” she said. Adding how Case lovingly proved her wrong, she highlighted the new trust she has. “Loved this gentle reminder that he is capable of so much if I just give him the chance to step up and show me,” she wrote. @natsmart said, “He wasn't babysitting, he was being a big brother. Case is pure gold.” @lauren_elise_webb remarked, “Genuinely such a sweet moment.”
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You can follow Andrea (@incaseyouredown) on Instagram for more content on parenting and Down syndrome.
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