How
to be a Strong Voice in Support of Your Child!
As a parent, we must always fight for what is best
for our children. In this way, we are their advocates, or representatives,
and it is our job to see that all of their needs are being met.
At the same time, being an advocate does not necessarily mean that
you have to put on your boxing gloves. Instead, it dictates that
with a little planning and preparation, your voice can go a long
way toward making a difference.
Tips on being a great advocate:
Tip #1: BE INFORMED
Information is the key to your success. If you are
well-informed, your opinions will be respected. Learn all there
is to know. Talk to your child's teachers, get copies of your child's
records, etc. It is especially important to have all of the facts
and figures in writing so that you have physical evidence in support
of your point of view. This preparation puts power behind your perspective!
Tip #2: BE PREPARED
Know where you want to go and how you're going to
get there. Basically, as your child's advocate, have a plan and
know what you want to accomplish. Often, parents go into conferences
with school staff members knowing what the problem is but not having
taken the time to consider a possible solution. It is very important
that as your child's advocate you do your homework on both ends
of a conflict. It is not the teacher's job to have all of the answers.
Be prepared--it will save you, and your child's educators, time
and frustration in the long run, and hopefully enable you to work
as a team.
Tip #3: BE HONEST
Remember the childhood saying "cheaters never
prosper"? In the same way, honesty will get you far and dishonesty
will get you nowhere in the field of education. Be prepared to be
honest with yourself about your child. For example, it is very hard
to come to terms with a child that has a disability, a behavior
problem, or some other sort of difficulty. As hard as this type
of situation is, it is even harder to handle when we try to deny
the fact that the child needs help. However, on the flip side, if
you feel that your child has been unfairly labeled as a problem
student, it is your responsibility to resolve this problem with
the school staff. In these ways, being an effective advocate means
being honest with the school so that the scope of the problem can
be realized and assistance can be provided.
Tip #4: BE PERSISTENT
As your child's advocate, go with your gut. If you
are not comfortable with the way the school is working with you,
say it. Do not feel pressured by the "experts" into doing
something with your child that you feel is not right. Along the
same lines, if you feel your child has a problem, and the school
is not addressing it, say so. As a parent, you have valid insight
into your child, and if you do not agree with the school's strategy,
chances are that it is not the correct solution for your child.
Tip #5: BE DIPLOMATIC
Diplomacy does not come easy for many. To be your
child's best possible advocate, put aside your anger, if you have
some, and focus on the outcome of the situation: your child's well-being.
Working together with the school, in a positive way, will help build
a strong educational foundation for your child.
Is your child having difficulty in school? Do you
feel that your child has a learning problem that has not been identified?
Are you getting the run around from the school?
To find out how Cheli Cerra can benefit you, check out the
Special
Report "Parents Who Want Successful Children."
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