Tag: advocacy

It’s the Little Things That Matter

by Mothersense, posted in Uncategorized

Life can be overwhelming. We all face challenges that sometimes feel impossible to overcome. Whether it’s the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or the passing of a loved one, it’s easy to get lost in the weight of our struggles. But here’s the thing: you’ve made it through 100% of the hard days you thought might break you. And you’re still here.

Sometimes, we forget to give ourselves credit for just surviving. Life has a way of throwing curveballs, but no matter what, you’re still standing, reading this, and doing what you can to keep moving forward. That is something worth being proud of.

It’s easy to focus on what’s wrong, what’s missing, or what hasn’t gone right. But if you can, try to shift your attention to the little things—the moments of joy and comfort that we often overlook. Those small acts of self-care that may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things actually mean so much.

So, take a deep breath. You deserve it. Maybe it’s enjoying a cup of coffee or tea in peace. Maybe it’s stepping outside for a few minutes of fresh air. Perhaps it’s treating yourself to something simple, like ordering your favorite meal or watching a show you love. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to enjoy those moments without guilt.

Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. The things you do, no matter how small, matter to you. They are reminders of what you’ve endured and what you are capable of. You are allowed to take breaks. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to find joy in the simple things.

Remember, you can do this. Even on the hardest days, when you feel like you’re just barely holding on, you’re doing better than you think. Don’t forget to be proud of yourself for getting through each moment, each challenge. You are strong, and you deserve to celebrate the small victories.

The journey may not always be easy, but the little things along the way are what can keep you grounded, remind you of your strength, and help you keep moving forward. So take a moment to be proud of yourself, because you’ve earned it. You are here. And that’s enough.

Advocacy for children

by Mothersense, posted in Uncategorized

Debate amateur turned Warrior Mom

I wasn’t a fighter, at least not really. In high school, I could argue my point well, and sometimes I was wrong, but I didn’t seek confrontation. I wanted to fit in and be accepted; I loved people. However, becoming a mother shifted my perspective dramatically. Watching my children struggle in school opened my eyes and transformed me into a warrior for their needs. I will leave out some of the finer details in dealing with various school districts, but the first ARD meeting I had the experience of sitting in on was the catalyst for changing how I fought for my children and becoming active in making sure they were able to succeed despite their struggles.

Initially, my journey began with my oldest son and daughter, who faced challenges with speech. As I navigated the complexities of early childhood education, I quickly realized that these struggles weren’t merely developmental; they were indicators of larger issues at play. It wasn’t until my second child was diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive type) and dyslexia that I truly understood the importance of advocacy. According to the CDC, around 6.1 million children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD, while estimates suggest that about 1 in 5 students has some form of learning disability, including dyslexia. These numbers are a stark reminder of how common these challenges are, yet navigating the school system to get the necessary support can often feel like an uphill battle.

As I continued to educate myself, my third child was diagnosed with a range of issues that underscored the importance of understanding and advocacy. I learned that Autism Spectrum Disorder affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S., a statistic that has prompted schools to reevaluate their support structures. With every diagnosis, I became more determined to fight for my children’s right to an equitable education.

The climate of our schools, while designed to support all students, can inadvertently create environments rife with anxiety, particularly for children with unique needs. My fourth and fifth children seemed to fare better academically, yet I couldn’t ignore the subtle signs of stress they exhibited. The pressures of fitting into a rigid system can manifest in ways that aren’t immediately obvious, making advocacy all the more crucial.

To effectively advocate for my children within the Texas school system, I learned to ask the right questions and make informed requests. The first step in securing the appropriate support is to pursue a comprehensive evaluation. Parents should request a meeting with the school’s special education team to discuss concerns and request a Full Individual Evaluation (FIE). In Texas, this evaluation should include assessments of cognitive abilities, academic achievement, and social-emotional functioning.

When advocating for supports, it’s vital to be specific. For my children, I sought accommodations like extended time on tests, individualized reading programs, and access to assistive technology. Schools in Texas are required to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to all students, and this includes tailored supports for those with disabilities. I learned to request services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, both of which outline the rights of students with disabilities and their need for accommodations.

In meetings, I found it helpful to present documented evidence of my children’s struggles, including report cards, assessments, and even journal entries that captured their emotional experiences. Armed with this information, I could make a compelling case for the interventions they needed.

Advocating for children with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism means not only ensuring they receive necessary accommodations but also fostering a supportive environment that recognizes their strengths. It’s about collaborating with educators, understanding the resources available, and staying informed about changes in educational policy. By becoming a proactive and informed advocate, I transformed my initial desire to fit in into a powerful mission to ensure my children—and others like them—received the education and support they deserved.

The fight for our children’s rights in the school system may not come naturally to many parents, but it is a battle worth fighting. Through collaboration, persistence, and a deep understanding of their needs, we can pave the way for our children to thrive academically and emotionally, regardless of their challenges. In the end, it’s about creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and capable of success.