ad-vo-cate – Verb, transitive. To speak, plead or argue in favor of. Synonym is support.
Parents are natural advocates for their children. Who is your child’s first teacher? You are. Who is your child’s most important role model? You are. Who is responsible for your child’s welfare? You are. Who has your child’s best interests at heart? You do.
You know your child better than anyone else. The school is involved with your child for a few years. You are involved with your child for life. You should play an active role in planning your child’s education. The law gives you the power to make educational decisions for your child. Do not be afraid to use your power. Use it wisely. A good education is the most important gift you can give to your child.
What Advocates Do?
Plan For The Future
If you are like most parents, you are focused on the present. You haven’t given much thought to the future. Do you expect your child to be an independent, self-sufficient member of the community? If you have a vision about what you want for your child in the future, you are more likely to achieve your goals. If you believe others will make long-term plans for your child and provide your child with the necessary skills to be an independent, self sufficient member of society, you are likely to be disappointed!
Gather Your Team
No one can do it alone. Who will you gather to support you in creating and implementing your plan for your child? Your team can incldude other parents, family members, caring teachers, or church members. Tap into the knowledge of parents, or grandparents of older successful children. Why re-invent the wheel? If you see a successful child, it didn't just happen, they most certainly had a parent, or other adult advoate, who helped guide them. I'm sure they would be glad to share their expereince and knowledge. Utilize them!
Be Proactive
Don't wait for problem to arise to be involved. Good advocates know that planning can help prevent most problems. Don't wait for an issue to emerge to introduce yourself to your child's teacher. Raising a concern will be easier and less confrontational if open communication has already been established.
Stay Connected
Talk to your child about his day at school. Ask questions. Know who his friends are. Know what his interests are. Know what his challenges are. There are several reasons to be involved in your child's school experience. Most importantly, it is important to let your child know that you care. Actions speak louder than words. It is necessary to get involved to show them that you really do care. Attend the functions that you child is involved with. Whether it is sports, drama or music, when they are involved; you are involved. They may act like its no big deal over what they accomplished at school; don't believe them; it hurts a child if they think that their parents don't care.
What’s been your experience with advocating for your child? Leave a comment and share!
This article is so true. Sometimes I feel like I'm at my child's school every week fighting one battle after the next. Its very weary; its tiring but its worth it. It shows the teachers that there's a parental presence in the child's life and it definitely shows the child that mom and/or dad cares. Its important to be involved because it tells the child you have expectations for him/her; they have goals to accomplish. It also tells them that they are not alone. Its a teamwork: teacher, child, parent. Everyone has a part in making that child successful. Also, it builds self confidence in the child. I can go on and on about this topic. Again, thanks for posting.
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