You can ask anyone who has ever raised a child with Down’s syndrome, and they will likely relay to you their joyous and happy experiences.
For far too long, there has been a misconception regarding children with this condition. Some people believe it is a near-impossible task raising a child with Down’s versus raising one without.
Of course, those who know better, know that such a statement is far from the truth. Sure, it comes with its own unique trials and tribulations, but what part of parenthood doesn’t?
In any case, it is great to see children with Down’s syndrome finally being included in a way few people could have ever imagined. Just ask the Baxter family of Rochester, Kent, England, whose adorable son Riley Baxter (who has Down’s syndrome) has landed a modeling job.
The 4-year old will soon be the face of the latest Mothercare advertising campaign, with his infectious smile and charm to delight the hearts of the masses.
Riley’s dad, Stuart, a sales manager, told Caters News:
“We have called him ‘Smiley Riley’ from a young age, because he makes people really happy and seeing his smile gives people a pick-me-up on a bad day.”
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Riley may have Down’s syndrome, but he’s not prepared to let that stop him in life. For his parents, Stuart and Kristy, their son’s confidence comes as a great relief — they were not always confident it would be so.
The couple was initially daunted, knowing they were raising a child with the condition. They were concerned that their son would be a target for bullies or might be denied opportunities given to others.
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However, they’ve since come to learn that is not the case, and they’ve been overjoyed watching him overcome the different obstacles life has thrown at him. Riley, who is mostly non-verbal, has proved to be a fighter every step of the way. And he’s making great strides in learning sign language.
“Now he has such a repertoire of signs it’s unbelievable, it’s to the point where other children are learning it from him,” Stuart said.
Even so, things haven’t been easy for young Riley. Due to his weak muscles, he needed a walker until he was about three-years-old. And his dad explains, it took him twice the effort to get around.
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“With his walking, he has to work twice as hard as anyone else to do what they are doing.”
“When he walks a mile it’s like walking two for anyone else, but his determination to keep going is the one thing we constantly see.”
And the kid’s “never say die” attitude has resulted in some pretty good opportunities.
Someone suggested that the young lad try his hand at modeling. So he learned how to pose for photoshoots thanks to Zebedee Management. It turns out his smile really is something special because it landed him a modeling contract with Mothercare advert in the Jools Oliver Little Bird range.
“Now he’s modeling with Zebedee, he loves the camera, you say pose and he will make this little pout followed by sticking his tongue out,” Stuart said.
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“After we were told he had Down Syndrome I cried, not for the case that I would love him any less but just knowing how cruel the world can be. That was the first thing that went through my mind but obviously my perceptions were wrong, and wow how wrong I was.”
“Riley is getting so much out of life and whenever he accomplishes something it seems that little bit extra special knowing how much harder he had to work for it.”
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What a brilliant young man! This kid’s got a very bright future ahead of him.
Please be sure to share Riley’s incredible story with your friends and family and spread the love.