Around the time my daughter was about 18 months old, I knew something was off. I was experiencing many things that I hadn’t with my son at this age – and I quickly learned how to respond to snarky comments and absolutely realized that Motherhood is NOT one size fits all.
I also took oodles of joy in the fact that my little wildflower was a fighter, regardless of the struggles we’ve experienced. Many of you who read my blog know that I have so many high hopes and dreams for my little girl.
And this, well, it all sounds good until the education services to which my daughter so rightfully, emphatically deserves – are being denied.
It’s not fair.
It’s unethical – and you know what? The only person who loses in this administrative, red tape bureaucracy nightmare IS MY CHILD.
And I won’t stand for it.
I am my daughter’s only true advocate and if I don’t fight for her, nobody else will.
I continue to watch my daughter struggle with things that come easy for others and I pray that she remains strong and confident. She has never given up on herself and I certainly never gave up on her.
My daughter is a fighter, one that has more sass and spunk than any little girl I know and I will continue to fight this fight until I receive the response that she so well deserves.
I have a voice.
I have a strong voice – and I am not stopping until that voice is heard.
If you ever find yourself in this kind of situation or if there is ANYTHING you’ve ever taken away from my blog – let it be this:
Ask the right questions. Research, educate and inform yourself surrounding every aspect of the situation, including the state law which goes far beyond the school district. Get the proper information and seek out the help you are requesting and don’t ever give up on what you believe in your gut feels right.
We need to fight for our children until we are satisfied because if we don’t, nobody else will.
You deserve it, your family deserves it – and your child sure as hell deserves it.
Your daughter is incredibly lucky to have you in her corner, Heather.
Thank you Alison – that’s one thing that comforts me, knowing I am doing the best I can for her right now… xo
Roar On! I am a little farther along in this process, my sweet boy is almost 14 and I advocate for him every day. Only you know your child. Your sweet girl sounds like she is a fighter, like her Momma. Dig in, keep fighting and know you are not alone.
I will continue to fight mama, and thank you for reminding me I am not alone.
I would stand up and clap for this post but I need to sit and type my comment. It took me a little while to find my voice and advocate for my daughter but I did it and never looked back. Nothing more important that getting out kids exactly what they need. If you ever need to talk I’m here. After doing this for 16 years I think that sort of makes me a senior citizen of advocating :).
I see a Skype date and a bottle of wine with you in my very near future. 😉
Just adding some words of support. Advocating for our kids is so important.
Thank you Amanda – even if moms are not dealing with this directly, that was the message I wanted to send. Thanks for reading!
Beautifully put. As a mother of children who are delayed, I hear you and I applaud you for pushing forward and continuing to advocate for her. She will be ok and she will thrive because you are there to see her through. Big hugs Mama!
Keep on keeping on mama – that’s what we have to do, thanks for your supportive comment
I don’t know what issues your daughter has but I can still relate. My son has SPD (Sensory Seeker) and for awhile we thought he may be autistic. I’ve had 2 developmental pediatricians say he’s not. He has been denied services through our county school system twice. They say he scores low, but not low enough. We are paying for private speech therapy once a week but he really needs to go back to OT as well. I’m looking forward to him being in Kindergarten next year when they may have to provide more help. BTW, he also couldn’t hear and had tubes placed a year and a half ago and also just got glasses yesterday! Make sure you get hearing and vision checks too! It helps. Good Luck!
Yes, the vision & hearing tests are so important! Thank you for this comment, reminding me we are in this thing together – keep fighting the good fight mama!!
Just another high five from me. What you’re doing is so important both for its immediate impact and for the example you’re setting for both of your kids, that they do have rights and a voice.
Thank you Angela. I never thought it would be this hard, but I am not giving up!!
Oh, you’re a fantastic mother to two amazing children, and you are doing the best job you can, and it’s so important to be that voice for your child. xoxo Huge hugs to you.
Thank you Lou – it’s been tough, but I am not giving up!
Yes, yes, 100% yes! We left our preschool recently because I disagreed with how the teachers were treating/classifying my son. I pushed back and I don’t think they expected that.
As moms, we just want what’s best for our kids! Thanks for reading & sharing
Hate that you are going thro this, but love how you are handling it. if we do not speak up for our children, and fight for them all the way – who will?
You go mama, let us hear you roar!
Exactly, we must be a voice for them. Thanks for your support mama
Fight, mama.
I have to, too. It’s exhausting sometimes, but so worth it.
I am right alongside you mama!!
i will never understand why the “powers that be” make us fight so hard! we know our children! we are not trying to get something for free, we are trying to do what’s best for our babies!! you go, mama! your daughter is very lucky to have you for her mommy!!
Gosh, I hope you get it all figured out, Heather. It is VERY frustrating when we feel our child’s needs are not being met and our voice is not being heard! Way to go, mama, for fighting it!
Yes, this.
Exactly this. A long time ago a parent of a student said those exact words to me, “I’m her only advocate.” I ways;t a mom yet, but it struck me then, and I’ve held onto it ever since.
Use that strong voice, sweet friend. I can’t imagine a better reason to do so!
(Love this post! Truly!)
xo
Fight the good fight, Warrior Mama! You’re absolutely right–you’re the only person who will go to bat for your daughter. She’s depending on you!
We fought the good fight for our daughter. Now at 8, she’s come so far! She’s excelling in her gifted magnet and has friends to play with whom she loves.
She’s come a long way from being the tantrummy girl in preschool who wouldn’t play with the other kids and had no clue how to do so.
As the mother of a 15yo, I can assure you that the best part of fighting for what a child needs is that one day, you’ll get to a point and an age where she can fight for herself.
That is true joy. And a joy that “normal” kids never learn–how to advocate, to work hard, to FIGHT despite the odds.
If you’re a fighter, she’ll learn to be one, too.
Good luck and hang in! It gets easier and better!
Loved this!! I can totally relate since esp since my 3yo was diagnosed with autism last year. Nothing prepares u for the iep/school experience! Thanks for sharing
I want to stand up and clap for you. Because you’re so spot on. Our kids need us. Not to mention, that’s one adorable lil pigtailed girl.
Amen!
It is a hard job to be our child’s advocate, but it can also be the most rewarding journey you will take.