Dear Mom….You’re not the monster!
“When did I become the monster?”
A friend and I were talking about some challenges they were having with her child’s school. She didn’t feel these were earth-shattering situations until she felt like she had suddenly become a monster for advocating for her child. Hey Mom…You’re not the monster… You didn’t become a monster, and you’ll never be a monster. You, my dear friend, are your child’s advocate and always will be.
How can parents advocate for their child with a disability?
Her child loves school, and she had some questions about the IEP. Then from there, more questions were opened up, and more concepts were being looked into. She was advocating for what was right for her child, not anyone else’s child.
My friend has a great relationship with everyone on the team and was pressing forward until one day she was made to feel like she was a monster. She was asked why she was “checking up on things”.
My answer for her will forever stay the same…. “Keep it up, you’re doing something right! You know your child the best, you know what makes them tick and tock, you know your child!”
What does it mean to be your child’s advocate?
Hey Mom…You’re not the monster, you’re an advocate, and an advocate never lets down. An advocate keeps asking the tough questions, keeps seeking out answers, and keeps going. Yes, there are days when you are worn down, you are tired, and you feel like there’s not much left… let yourself rest. Take a little break and then yes, you got it, you get back up and keep going. Do this because your child needs YOU and YOU are their ADVOCATE. You got this!
And P.S. : This situation turned out just perfectly! Keeping open communication is key, as well as looking at our self-talk! Can’t wait to dive into this more here!
I will always be my children’s biggest advocate and bring awareness to all their struggles, including my sons’ autism.
Remember: Hey Mom…You’re not the monster… you are their advocate!
Wendy
