A few weeks into every school year, we get to the "Point of No Return." The teachers and students have spent time with our Aspie sons and have started to form their own ideas as to who they are and what they can do.
This can be a good thing...or this can be a not so good thing.
Every year has a different set a teachers, possibly a different set of kids and a different dynamic.
Here is my TOP 10 COUNTDOWN of things I wish I could tell the teachers when we step into the inevitable conference:
10-We are not asking you to bend over backwards...we just would like some help.
9-We are willing to meet you half-way.
8-Yes, we know what they are like...we live with them for the remainder of their time.
7-Yes, we already know and understand what challenges my sons face.
6-Even though you would really like to be able to...no matter how hard you try, you will not FIX my sons.
5-My sons don't need fixing. They are who God made them to be...with a purpose and a mission.
4-We are active parents....PLEASE listen to our advice. It is not meant to "tell you how to teach" but rather...from experience, ways to help you with difficult situations
3-If you won't listen to us...try listening to his teachers from last year.
2-If you see him with an open mind and an open heart, you will possibly witness a BEAUTIFUL soul.
1-PLEASE.....PLEASE.....be patient. I don't expect everyone to love our sons...but I would really appreciate it if you all would be patient enough to make a grounded decision. It will take a while for them to show you who they truly are and what the can do.
He is trying his best and we are trying our best. Know one should judge until they have walked a mile in our shoes.
This is very valuable information. May I suggest that you create a printed version of these and truly gift teachers with this list. When times get more challenging, I could be comforted by having that page to just read and use for a few minutes of reflection----you know, when you are just about to throw in the towel. It is normal for a teacher to forget these thoughts when he/she feels exasperated. Use it as a tool for getting back on track and regaining perspective. Just a thought from your old principal.........
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