Helen Keller is an example of a child with special needs. Her name is associated with Anne Sullivan, her teacher. However, it was Helen’s mother, Kate Adams Keller, who recognized her daughter’s unique abilities and challenges and initiated the process of meeting them. Helen had been born with the ability to see and hear, but lost both during an illness when she was 19 months old. Her mother recognized Helen’s intelligence and resilience and refused to accept that her daughter was doomed to live her life as an incomplete person. She sought out the help and support needed to allow Helen to live as full a life as possible, and Kate succeeded in meeting the needs of her child. You can too.
Most children do not have the disabilities that Helen Keller dealt with, but none are totally free of challenges. Your child may struggle with academic issues such as reading or math, or with social issues. Maybe they have some of the same struggles you had growing up. They could also struggle with issues you were completely unaware of.
You may not have a degree or even much experience in learning styles or educational best practice, but you are the expert on your child. You have observed and interacted with him or her from birth. You can identify their moods, predict their responses, and understand how to motivate them better than any other adult. You are best suited to provide the passion to see that your child receives the support needed to reach their full potential.
Please do not take the approach of deferring your rights and responsibilities as a parent to the professionals. Our education system is encumbered by federal mandates, state regulations, and local controversies. Decisions made are rarely based on the best interest of children and families and more often to meet political expediency. The education of your child is your responsibility and you need to approach the education system with the intent to review what they have to offer and decide how you can use it for the benefit of your child.
Sometimes parents feel intimidated when dealing with an education professional with an advanced degree. If this happens to you, remember that you have specialized knowledge of your child. What’s more, you have been dedicated to meeting his needs since birth and will continue to be committed to that cause for the rest of your life. The education professional will have a limited involvement of nine months to possibly a few years.