Advocacy Vs. Feelings of Defeat

By: Tammy Cyra, M.Ed As a parent, it sure can be intimidating to hear all of the different unknown acronyms during an ARD meeting. Having an advocate to assist in troubleshooting and bridging the line of communication is often key. It also helps to empower the parent and provide them with a sense of validation. Often times, you see a shortage of staff throughout a variety of school districts when it comes to more time […]

I lost my voice.

by Karen Warfle No, I didn’t have a cold or laryngitis. I didn’t suffer a traumatic accident. I lost my ability to speak up for myself. After 20 years of advocating for my son, I found I didn’t know how to advocate for me. When my son graduated from homeschool and my daughter graduated from college – in the same weekend – I was ready to be a “retired” homeschool mom. I imagined having all the […]

How I Stay Calm in the Midst of Turmoil While Raising a Child with a Disability:

by LisaMarie Bernardo We all know that siblings can fight, argue and irritate each other. It can make for a very chaotic household environment. I find this even more challenging especially because my son struggles with a disability. I have tried for years to get my kids to get along but have yet to succeed. However, I have now realized that I can do something within myself to change my reaction to all of the bickering […]

Drop the Clichés, Please

by Amanda Buck Motherhood is filled with cliché sayings. From the moment we reach a certain age and find ourselves in a steady long-term relationship, society suddenly decides that we have reached the mystical baby-making stage and immediately unhelpful hints, tips and “advice” come pouring in. All at once anyone and everyone, from our closest friends and family to the creepy neighbor down the street, have something to say. In the beginning there’s the benign “are […]

Monsters 

by Brandy Pavia Imagine having a child, a beautiful, perfect-in-your-eyes, child. A child that may not hit all of their developmental milestones at the suggested, “age-appropriate” time, but still, your perfect child, nonetheless. You start to notice as time goes by that your perfect child has a different way of viewing and navigating the world than other kids their age, and you make it your mission to provide the foundation for them to be the most […]