Markeisha Hall shares so many good tips on how to advocate for inclusion in your school.

Nate Sheets shares with us great tools on how to handle difficult behaviors with our buddies. 

If you’re anything like me, long before we become mothers we dream about, plan for and anticipate our children.  We have expectations of what they’ll look like, the milestones they’ll accomplish, what they’ll be when they grow up....all the things.  We share those dreams with our friends and celebrate as each of us becomes mothers, it’s a club we all want to join.  The playdates, the sports, the school events...we’ll share in the sisterhood!

So, when we have a child that is born with or acquires the need for more support, physically, mentally, or emotionally, it can really upend our plans.  Sometimes our children don’t look the way we dreamed, they don’t accomplish the milestones as expected (or at all), there are no playdates or sports teams...we can feel alone.  We have so many questions, we have so much to learn.

But as mothers, we are resilient and resourceful creatures.  And we are ferociously focused...

Being a mom is hard y'all. But being the mom to a child(ren) with special needs is the hardest Stinking job I've ever had...and trust me I've had some tough jobs that some days left me with absolute heartbreak.

I think as parents all we want for our children is to grow up and be good people, have a great education, treat people how they would want to be treated, and follow their dreams, but that road isn't always as navigable as we hoped it would be.

Advocating and doing what is right for your children is so undeniably stressful. Making a decision that will affect him or her for the rest of their life is painstaking as a parent. All the what-ifs, the how's, the changes...will it lead to more stress and anxiety for a child who already suffers and works day in and out to overcome it?

I wish I had the answers or a crystal ball that would help me predict the future, but all I can do is to follow my heart and trust in the plan God has before me. He knew long before I did...

This informative letter to teachers does not have to be fancy. You are able to add as much detail as you would like. 

Here are my suggestions:

Start with your story. This helps them get to know your family and build a narrative around things they may see that are concerning or that they don't understand. 

This year you were going to have____ in your class. He/she has so many amazing qualities. Three things we love about her are _____,____,and ____. However, like most of us she can have some hard days. When this happens you may see____,_____ and ____. When this happens she is trying to communicate _____. You can help her by_____ . I'm so grateful for your willingness to love on her this year. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Grateful you are on our team,

Here is a checklist of things to think through when you are setting expectations with your attendant and added examples to give you an idea. 

Here is our example attendant communicator and template.

**Make sure to check with your waiver program to make sure you are meeting all of their guidelines.