Yes, I’m THAT parent.
The special needs parent committed to standing up for my child.
That special needs parent who…
…will call you out if I feel you have not treated my child as you should.
…won’t tolerate empty platitudes or broken promises.
…will constantly chase up issues that need to be addressed.
…won’t play politics with my child’s future.
…will do whatever it takes to make my child feel safe and secure.
…doesn’t accept that adjustments can’t be made.
…does my research and goes into every meeting with a plan.
…will insist on my child being included even if no-one thinks they can do it.
…is determined to show the world my child is capable of anything.
…sees challenges as opportunities, not as excuses to give up.
…will go the extra mile to get everyone on board for the benefit of my child.
…is not afraid to ask questions, challenge assumptions or follow up on actions.
…finds a way forward even when no-one else can see a way out.
…sees beyond my child’s challenges and celebrates their strengths.
…doesn’t care if you feel uncomfortable around me or my child.
…is unfailingly loyal to those who support my child.
…will never apologise for requesting special provisions to help my child.
…is not afraid to appeal decisions if I feel they are unfair.
…will give you whatever support you need to help my child.
…won’t go away quietly.
…will never, ever give up on my child.
If all this makes me THAT parent, then, hell yes, that’s who I am.
I’m not ashamed to be an effective advocate for my child. I’m not ashamed to stand my ground. I’m not ashamed to love my child unconditionally. I’m not ashamed to speak out.
I’m a positive special needs parent.
I’m THAT special needs parent.
And that’s more than okay with me.
What a parent would do for love. Your son is very lucky to have you.
I have a nephew that has autism and I’ve seen the great lengths his mom would do: for him to be able to go to school, be with family gatherings, going to Church.
Keep on inspiring people!
Thanks so much Erica x
Lovely Post! I can definitely relate
I suspect a few of us can!
Hell yeah! #TeamLovinLife
I feel so rebellious as a former Catholic schoolgirl using that term!
Yes!! Your son is so lucky to have you as his mum.
SSG xxx
I just wish he’d agree with you but he’s 13 and too cool for that right now!
Here, here! I am THAT parent too! Good on us! 😉 xo #TeamLovinLife
Go you, Min!
What a fantastically uplifting post so refreshing your energy and positivity is palpable love this and thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub! X
Thanks so much for having an interloper from Down Under! I hope to keep linking up – it’s fun x
I think that makes you a parent who loves your kids and wants what’s best for them. The parent everyone should aspire to be!
I hope so, although I know I’m often seen as the parent who causes trouble instead!
Three cheers for THAT parent. I like to think I’m THAT parent to a large degree too.
#teamlovinlife
I suspect we all have a little mumma bear in us when required!
I felt like I needed to fist pump after reading that! We need more parents with this attitude, great post #Spectrumsunday
and it’s perfectly OK to be THAT parent, as a teacher i welcome THAT parent, it makes it easier for me to teach their child #spectrumsunday
I’m so glad you say that as I sometimes feel like I’m a trouble maker. I’ll do anything for my kids but that doesn’t mean I’m not aware or conscious of the many responsibilities of their teachers. I’m so grateful to caring and compassionate teachers like yourself x
I think it’s perfectly ok to be THAT parent because it shows that you are putting your child’s needs first before anything else and that makes you the BEST parent in my opinion!
Amina xx | http://www.AliandHer.com
Thanks Amina x
I think all SEND parents need to be ‘that’ parent – unfortunately it seems the only way to get anywhere.
Thanks for linking it to #spectrumsunday!