2016-05-13 00:04:56
Preconceived notions...
Sometimes, we all need a little reminder that we don't always know what we don't always know and just maybe, in the process, we can push past our own limitations; even those we might place on our own children without realizing it. In order to do this, I must, I confess, share a not-so-proud moment of my own. Those of you that know me, know that I am a HUGE advocate for all kids with special needs. So on to my confession...
Recently, my daughter came home with a blue ribbon pinned to her chest and she handed me a sealed letter with her name on it. When I opened the letter, it was an invitation for my daughter to join the National Honor Society. I half scoffed at it and chuckled to myself thinking, "what is this about...is this for real?" While my daughter is on the A/B honor roll, she is not what I perceived to be a National Honor Society student. Her older sister (who is graduating from college soon) has made A/B's all throughout high school and was never asked to join the National Honor Society. I, initially, thought it was kind of a joke, but, I went ahead and set her up to attend the induction ceremony. While sitting in the audience, the NHS officers explained that the NHS is based on four pillars: Scholarship (determination), Service, Leadership and Character. In addition, inductees must also be approved through teacher's and counselor's recommendations. As tears fell down my cheeks, I realized that my daughter did and does possess all of those characteristics! I was ashamed of myself for my preconceived notions and extremely grateful to her teachers and counselors for seeing, and acknowledging, in her the very things I, somehow, had missed.
Perhaps, sometimes we are too close and must take a step back, or get another perspective, in order to continue to move forward and appreciate what is.
Chantai Snellgrove Founder and Editorial Director chantai@parentingspecialneeds.org
5 THINGS I LEARNED FROM THIS ISSUE
1. About an incredible Dad that rolls the extra mile (p.19).
2. There is an accessible theme park that gives you FREE drinks (p.34).
3. Under a 504 Plan as a parent, you could suggest that if services are needed, that the team write an IEP which would include goals and services (p.16).
4. How to use Tapping to relieve stress(p.40).
5. New Resources and options availalbe for financing an accessible van (p.46).
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