Parents and Schools: Working Together?

The news is filled with events involving special needs kids, their parents and their schools who are at odds all over the United States and the world.

Some parents are actually being banned from schools because they are considered, “too pushy.”

In some locations, there are even criminal trespass warnings in effect against parents. Many schools believe that parents are disrespecting and disrupting schools under the guise of advocating for their children.

Every state is experiencing increased numbers of complaints involving special needs parents who are at odds with their children’s schools.

Special needs parents need to understand and learn ways that they can get the schools to work with them instead of against them.

Parents, here are some suggestions:

1. Ask questions to the appropriate person on the school staff  and listen, really listen to the answers you are given. Be open to the possibilities that a different opinion might be pertinent.

2. Communicate your issues in a way that is not argumentative. The old saying, “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar” applies here.

3. Try to be a team player. Work with the school, not against it -  if you want to help your child.

4. Remember that you have no reason to feel embarrassed or guilty by the fact that you have a special needs child and want and need an understanding of what is happening with your child.

5. Remember that this is your child and that you are the parent. Step up to the plate and don’t pick fights. Fights won’t accomplish anything and they will create enemies and not a support system for your child and you.

Photo by tawnytanner