MARCH 21 •WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY

Every Child
Deserves to
Be Celebrated.

Resources, conversation starters, and free printables to help your family honor Down syndrome — with honesty, warmth, and a lot of joy.

WEAR MISMATCHED SOCKS ON MARCH 21ST

Millie, playing with her D&J puzzle

@makingmilliestones

Why March 21st?

The Date Is Intentional

3/21 represents the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome that characterize Down syndrome — trisomy 21. It’s a day to learn, celebrate, and remind our kids that different isn’t less. The tradition of wearing bright, mismatched socks? Chromosomes actually look a little like socks all bundled up — so we wear them loud and proud.

MEET MILLIE

She Makes Our Hearts Full.

Millie is the beautiful little girl behind this campaign — and she is pure joy. Her mom Nikki, @makingmilliestones, has built an incredible community around raising kids with Down syndrome with honesty, humor, and so much heart.

We are so honored to partner with them for World Down Syndrome Day.

FOR PARENTS

How to Talk to Your Kids About Down Syndrome

Simple, age-appropriate ways to open the conversation — without overthinking it.

1

Start With “Different, Not Less”

Explain that Down syndrome means someone’s brain and body grow a little differently — and that different isn’t bad, it’s just different. Kids absorb this when they see you mean it.
2

Use Simple, Honest Language

Say: “Some kids learn things at a different speed, and that’s okay.” Down syndrome isn’t a sickness and it’s not something to fix — it’s just part of who someone is.
3

Follow Their Lead

If your child asks a question, answer it simply and move on. A calm, matter-of-fact answer teaches them this is normal conversation.
4

Talk About Strengths First

Lead with what kids with Down syndrome can do — many read, swim, dance, act, and hold jobs. When kids see someone thriving, inclusion feels natural, not forced.
5

Model Inclusion in Real Life

Point out the value of diverse friendships. If your child notices someone is “different,” turn it into a connection: “What do you think you two might have in common?”
6

Read Together

Books with characters who have Down syndrome normalize it beautifully. Try We’ll Paint the Octopus Red, My Friend Isabelle, or Just Ask! by Sonia Sotomayor.

FREE PRINTABLES

Visual Schedules & Transition Tools

Predictability is a gift for all kids. These printables help establish routine, ease transitions, and build independence.

Morning Schedule Strip
DAILY ROUTINE

Morning Schedule Strip

Picture-based morning sequence. Cut apart and arrange in your own order.

Download Free
First / Then Cards
TRANSITIONS

First / Then Cards

Help kids understand what comes next — reducing anxiety around switching activities.

Download Free
Bedtime Routine Chart
DAILY ROUTINE

Bedtime Routine Chart

Step-by-step evening visuals with daily checkboxes and a star tracker.

Download Free
CAMPAIGN PARTNER

Made with love with
@makingmilliestones

This campaign was created in partnership with @makingmilliestones — a community built to celebrate and support families raising children with Down syndrome. Their stories, their voice, and their heart are woven into everything here. Go follow them. Seriously.

Follow @makingmilliestones