In Her Own Words: Penny’s Advice to a Student Beginning Ninth Grade
I asked our daughter Penny to take a few moments to reflect on her experience in ninth grade. We talked about how there are all sorts of things that happen…
In Her Own Words: Penny on Being a Bridesmaid
Penny and I got to be bridesmaids together last weekend in my sister’s wedding. I’m going to let Penny tell you about it in her own words, but first I…
S3 Bonus | Talking with Our Kids About Race, Justice, Love, and Privilege
How do we talk with kids about race, justice, and privilege? In this follow up to last week’s interview with Patricia Raybon, Amy Julia interviews her three children. Penny, William,…
In Their Own Words: Penny and William on Technology
In their own words! Penny and William have some things to say about children and families and technology. Most of our kids’ friends have some sort of personal electronic device…
In Her Own Words: Penny on Independence and Self-Advocacy
When Penny was first born and diagnosed with Down syndrome, Peter and I went through a hard season in which we felt like our expectations for parenting were overturned now…
In Their Own Words: William and Marilee on Having a Sister with Down Syndrome
I’ve written a LOT about our family over the course of the past decade, and I’m glad our kids are old enough to do a little bit of writing for…
In Her Own Words: Penny on Church and Faith
Penny has grown up going to church with our family. She’s also grown up with parents who pray, read the Bible, and offer sporadic attempts to include their children in…
In Her Own Words: Penny on Healthy Eating and Exercise
In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I’ve asked our daughter Penny (who is 13 and has Down syndrome) to share some reflections on her life in her own words.…
First Day of School: Penny Starts Eighth Grade – In Her Own Words
I always thought middle school would be the time when life for a child with Down syndrome got hard. The infant and toddler years held their share of medical challenges.…
