Jolene Bester, a Weltevreden Park mother, has turned her son’s journey with Down syndrome into a children’s book.

“When children ask questions, it’s an opportunity to educate, not something to be afraid of,” she said. She was inspired after noticing how curious her five-year-old son Stephan’s friends and family were. “One day Stephan’s best friend asked me, ‘Why doesn’t Stephan talk back to me?’”

“It broke my heart because I imagined being a child and not understanding why your friend isn’t interacting the same way,” she said.

The book answers 12 common questions, explaining why some children with Down syndrome wear glasses, stick out their tongues or tire more quickly.

“Children with Down syndrome are more alike than different. They love to play, laugh and be included, and sometimes we just need to adapt a little,” Jolene said.

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Stephan’s early life was challenging. Born at 35 weeks, he spent two months in hospital and underwent two open-heart surgeries in his first year. “After the first surgery, it took 13 days for him to open his eyes. The second time, just six days later, he was home. It was an incredible miracle,” she recalled.

Celebrating milestones has taken on new meaning for the family. “Stephan took his first steps two weeks before his second birthday. It may be normal for some children, but for us, it was huge. We celebrated every small victory,” she said.

Beyond medical challenges, Jolene said public questions can be the hardest part. “People don’t know better, and sometimes their questions can offend, but we choose to educate instead of react,” she said.

Since its launch on February 28, 53 copies have been sold. Jolene said the goal is not profit, but raising awareness. “If we can get this book into schools, it’s a chance to show children that differences are part of life,” she said.

For Jolene, the book is more than a story about her son – it is a tool to teach compassion and understanding, one question at a time.

The book is available in English and Afrikaans and can be purchased online using the Google form link https://forms.gle/vqJa7PGq1BXdF4Fq5.