The Strong Voice of Parents
Parents are the voices of their children. They know them better than anyone else who is in their lives. Parents understand their child’s feelings, their struggles, and their successes. Parents are the first ones to make their child feel better when they are hurt, sad and even mad. They understand the volcanic eruption of emotions from children who keep it together all day while they attend school to finally feel safe enough to express their hearts, not always a pretty scene to watch. But most importantly, parents are the voices for their child’s education when the tables are stacked against them from LEAs whose priorities are backwards in the realm of education. Parents are the ones who call out the inconsistencies, the lack of accountability, the failures of these schools whose job it is to educate your child. It is no wonder most parents, especially those with children in special education, are exhausted. Their children are in a world with those that do not want to be bothered to support these children. I understand firsthand this frustration that not only children feel but parents feel too. I see in with my own children and have also been that loud parents that special education administrators do not like because I hold those accountable. So why is this important? YOU the parent are the warrior and protector of your child. Finding your strong voice helps to ensure that these schools are doing their jobs and most importantly following the law. Do not allow them to manipulate things in their best interest. It is what is best for your child. Next time your gut tells you your child’s team is playing games, step up and use that mom or dad voice, your children are watching and this is ultimately how they will get their own strong voices in the future.
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