Today, I had the privilege of speaking to students for World Down Syndrome Day 💙💛
We talked about what Down syndrome is, why words matter, and the importance of choosing kindness over cruelty. The R-word—a slur that’s sadly making a comeback—was front and center in our conversation. We explored why it’s deeply hurtful, and why just because you can say something doesn’t mean you should.
My hope? That these students walk away knowing that inclusion starts with respect—and that our words have power. 💬✨
#WorldDownSyndromeDay #choosekindness #WordsMatter #MoreAlikeThanDifferent #SpreadTheWordToEndTheWord
Cold courage
Braving the cold to show our support for athletes with special needs who push themselves out of their comfort zones, smash critics and conquer! Especially our girl, Vivi!!! 💪🏻 🐻❄️ 🥶 #lasallepolarplunge #polarplunge #specialolympics
🚨 Had a great time on AM800 CKLW The Dan MacDonald Show this morning chatting about TikTok Culture—the challenges, the algorithms, and just how much influence social media platforms have on kids today. 📱✨
It’s a big question: Who has a bigger impact on kids—Parents or “Influencers”? 🤔
With endless scrolling, viral trends, and curated content, social media is shaping how kids see the world, themselves, and even their values. But how much “influence” should these platforms really have? And where do parents fit into the equation?
Let’s keep the conversation going! What do YOU think? Are parents still the biggest role models, or are influencers taking over? How do we balance it all?
Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️
Link to full discussion in comments!
🚨 Had a great time on AM800 CKLW The Dan MacDonald Show this morning chatting about TikTok Culture—the challenges, the algorithms, and just how much influence social media platforms have on kids today. 📱✨
It’s a big question: Who has a bigger impact on kids—Parents or “Influencers”? 🤔
With endless scrolling, viral trends, and curated content, social media is shaping how kids see the world, themselves, and even their values. But how much “influence” should these platforms really have? And where do parents fit into the equation?
Let’s keep the conversation going! What do YOU think? Are parents still the biggest role models, or are influencers taking over? How do we balance it all?
Drop your thoughts below!
Full episode link: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/962-the-dan-macdonald-show-sou-76578042/episode/tik-tok-culture-who-has-a-248909557/
🌟 Soundbites and Insights on Sharenting from My Recent Radio Interview with Dan MacDonald on AM800 🌟
In our discussion, we explored the risks of parents sharing their children’s photos online and how it can affect their digital footprint, with a warning from Barclays Bank that sharenting may lead to two-thirds of identity fraud affecting young people by 2030.
For parents addressing sharenting (as someone who’s been guilty of it too), here are key points to consider:
1. Acknowledge Past Mistakes: Own up to any past errors and apologize to your child.
2. Mindful Posting: Before sharing, critically assess the content, audience, permissions, and potential impact on your child.
3. Understand Digital Footprints: Be aware that online actions can affect future opportunities.
4. Get Creative: Share less identifiable moments creatively, like close-ups of hands and feet.
5. Communicate with Family and Friends: Explain your decision to limit sharenting and seek their support in maintaining privacy.
6. Be a Role Model: Demonstrate responsible social media use for your children.
When in doubt, it’s better not to post. For the full conversation, check the link in the comments! #keepyourprivatesprivate 🤝🔒
WDSD 2014
“Nine years ago, I made a vow to Vivi that I’ll do everything in my power to make this world a more accepting and inclusive space for her and others like her…and each and every one of you, being here, hearing me out and embracing my message is helping me achieve that each and every single day.”
🙏💙💛🫶🏻
“If there’s anything I hope to leave you with, it’s an understanding that you are part of the #luckyfew club. You get to learn alongside Vivi and other students with disabilities and all the beauty that comes with their differences wayyyyy sooner than I ever did.”
“Nine years ago, I made a vow to Vivi that I’ll do everything in my power to make this world a more accepting and inclusive space and each and every one of you, being here, hearing me out and embracing my message is helping me achieve that each and every single day.”
I digress 🙏💙💛🫶🏻
Thanks Any Dodge from CBC Windsor for the chat and the hundreds of students at LOT for their undivided attention 💙💛🫶🏻
Of all the presentations I do, the conferences and seminars I speak at, delivering a presentation to an assembly of students at my kids’ school for World Down syndrome Day is my absolute favourite.
When Vivi was born, someone announced her birth as ‘unfortunate’. I vowed to never have Vivi and the word unfortunate be used in the same sentence and try my best to keep my promise to her to educate others to create a more understanding, compassionate and welcoming world for her and others like her.
Rock your socks with us tomorrow to signify you too, believe that #differentisbeautiful, that you #assumeican and that those who are fortunate to know someone with Ds are the #luckyfew 💙💛
Please note that:
1) this figure is from 2016
2) the study was conducted on adults 18+
I’m confident this number is higher in 2023, especially amongst young people.
Just saying.
I wonder if this has anything to do with the amount of hypersexualized content kids are exposed to every minute of the day and have simply had enough 🤔
Providing info on current events and trends as they relate to kids, youth and parents.
