If I may, A VERY PROUD FATHER

[DByers]

My oldest son, Shane, who is 10 tested today for his blue belt in Tae Kwon Do. We have been through a lot with Shane (Asperger's) and he at times test my parenting skills to their limits. I am extra proud of him today, not because he tested the highest of all students in any belt rank and has moved up to blue belt faster then anyone in his Do Jang but because he has found something he deeply loves to do and excels at.
Thanks for letting a proud father brag a little

[msk1986911]

Congratualtions to Shane and to you as well.

MK

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

congratulations from a fellow aspie!

[Halm]

Very cool Dan. Congratulations to both father and son!

[Don Plumley]

Congrats!

[Rot 911]

Most excellent Dan!

[JavaBrewer]

Awesome! Congrats Shane, way to go dude!

Which TKD studio is that? I went to Lee's way way way back which was between Goleta and SB.

[DByers]

Thanks guys, it means a lot!
dmoolenaar- His studio is out in Goleta of Los Caneros. His Master is very patient and has been very helpful in getting Shane to this point.
I trained very close to 15 years in the arts and just had a feeling that this would be extremely helpful for Shane now and years to come. He is an inspiration to is mom, his two younger siblings and most of all me. I had no idea about the complexities of Asperger's until Shane and he has taught me a lot about being a parent.
Again thanks from a very proud father

[livi]

You may and you should!

Above all you should feel proud of your self.

[cantdrv55]

Congrats Dan! He looks tall for a 10 y/o.

My newborn son has Down syndrome. I know his milestones will come much later than a typical child. I'm learning what it means to have patience.

[livi]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

My newborn son has Down syndrome. I know his milestones will come much later than a typical child. I'm learning what it means to have patience.

I work a lot with children with Down syndrome. From that experience, I hope, you will also learn that there are few children displaying such happy, content and free spirits.

[JCF]

Great job.
Both of you.

[Shuie]

Congrats!

[charlesbahn]

Congratulations, there was a lot missing from the parenting book that I got too. The key I've learned, is to get them into their 20's alive and as drug free as possible.

Charles

[Seahawk]

Dan,

Thanks for your post...I was ignorant of Asperger's until I read up on it after learning about Shane's wonderful accomplishment.

All the best...my son will be up for his black belt in Tae Kwon Do soon so I share at least a part of what Shane's triumph means, the work that goes into these special moments.

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by livi

I work a lot with children with Down syndrome. From that experience, I hope, you will also learn that there are few children displaying such happy, content and free spirits.

no kidding, I am always overwhelmed at how happy, content and friendly kids with Down's are, if everyone had the same personality as a person with Down's, there would be no war.

Come on now, you were proud of him before he got the belt. Good for a kid to have a positive focus, and the values they learn from the discipline of martial arts

[KFC911]

That's fantastic! Both of you should be very proud...

[artplumber]

Originally Posted by KC911

That's fantastic! Both of you should be very proud...

+1

Just an interest question, what's the background leading to a Sikh doing TaeKwonDo?

[JCF]

Icarry this little slip of paper in my wallet.
Yeah, I know - Mr. Rogers ...
I have a cousin who has Downs - and she's an inspiration.

[DByers]

Again thanks! Shane is really a great kid and his two younger siblings look up to him. I am proud of all 3 of my kids every day. They just continue to amaze both my wife and I.
Art, not sure about what you mention.