My daughter forwarded me this blog from a friend of hers' whose son has Nystagmus (an involuntary eye movement condition). I appreciated her honesty as she writes how difficult it is to advocate for her son's educational rights in the classroom without alienating the teacher.
As a parent or educator, how do you think parents can feel more empowered to advocate for their children in the classroom, We will post your suggestions so watch this space.!!!! In the meantime we hope Elisheva’s perspective is also appreciated by teachers. First published on www.elishevasokolic.com:
As a parent or educator, how do you think parents can feel more empowered to advocate for their children in the classroom, We will post your suggestions so watch this space.!!!! In the meantime we hope Elisheva’s perspective is also appreciated by teachers. First published on www.elishevasokolic.com:
Start Listening
By elishevasokolic
I have never felt so helpless in front of another human being.
I have been a child, strapped into a highchair or a car seat, wriggling for freedom to run and play. I have been a teenager, full of angry hormones, shouting and demanding independence and insisting I know best, met with inflexible rigidity. I have been a woman, crippled with labour pains, fighting against my own body for release and comfort. But standing in front of you, I have never felt so acutely another persons hands wrapped casually around my heart.
You are my sons teacher. But I am his mother. To you, that title may not mean much. Yes I gave birth to him, but I do not have any qualifications or certificates to prove my worth. I don’t have years of experience or references from children now grown. I don’t have a shiny laminated badge with my credentials, and I can’t issue you a formal letter with expectations or give you any funding or resources.
But that title. That word. Being a mother to that little boy means I know. I know the obstinate way he mutters under his breath crossly when he’s done something naughty, I know that as soon as we walk in a room he will be counting the lightbulbs, (including which ones are faulty.) I know from how far his head is tilted to the right how much difficulty he is having seeing something, and I know from the subtle head wobble when he is too tired to try. I know when his frustration at being left out or overwhelmed is causing naughty or difficult behaviour, and I know when it’s just a symptom of the dreaded threenage years like any other fully sighted child.
You are his teacher. But I am his advocate. I’m the only one he has. And it’s a ferocious balancing act throughout which I’m scared nearly all the time.
Scared to argue my case, because I know that we’re paired together my son and I. Who knows how I could unintentionally offend you and without any malice on your part, have it taken out on my helpless child? Frightened of not saying enough, and leaving him without the same opportunities that so many other children and parents take for granted. Practising with my husband in the morning before I approach you, trying to find that elusive tone of voice, or expression that will make my words appeal to you. Hoping that you will put aside the issues of resources and check-boxes, and just look at this mother who has no pride, and would crawl over hot coals if it meant that you would believe she isn’t hysterical, she isn’t trying to upset you or make your life harder, she’s just acting on the most basic instinct on the planet, that of a mother protecting her young.
I am one of thousands of mothers whose child needs that bit of extra help. We shouldn’t have to write letters or shout loudest or cry tears to be heard. We shouldn’t have to pick our battles and decide which parts of our children’s school life aren’t as important for them to access if it turns out that we can’t fight for them all. We certainly shouldn’t have to feel scared that we’re going to be ignored or condescended to or fobbed off with excuses when we summon up the strength to stand our ground against the system.
But in a world where these situations are often the sad reality, please acknowledge how it takes immeasurable courage for me to approach you. I am the advocate for my son. I’m the only one he has. For the time being, I am not only his eyes, but also his voice. And I’m asking you to stop simply hearing me, and start listening.
Elisheva Sokolic is currently working as Features and Books editor at DRAFTED Magazine, as well as writing freelance. She has a 3 year old son with a Visual Impairment, and splits her non-writing time between correcting grammatical mistakes on the Internet, and spelling her name out for people over the phone. Catch more of her writing at www.elishevasokolic.com
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