What Does It Mean to ADVOCATE For Your Child?

A: ATTENTIVE  and AWARE. Parents, ask questions and read on children's development. If your parent gut is saying "something isn't right," hold true until you get the answers you need through research and medical care.

D: DON'T "mommy or daddy guilt." If you didn't know, you didn't know. But now you do, be determined and proactive. 

V: VOICE YOUR CONCERNS until someone listens and decides to guide you in the right direction. 

O: OBSERVE other kids. NO you are not comparing , all kids are different. But you are observing other same age kids and their functioning skills. Can my child do this or that? If not, let's see at what age these skills should be mastered and what can be done to help my child get there. 

C: CHAMPION. You will always be a CHAMPION in the eyes of your child. 

A: ACTIVE involvement. Participate in those weekly therapy sessions, doctor appointments, home exercise programs, play dates, school events, etc. 

T: TIME is of the essence. Far too often parents are told to give it time, give it time. In some situations "giving it time" holds true. BUT IN SOME, IT DOES NOT. 

E: EXPOSURE. Just because there may be delays, doesn't mean you or your child has to be restricted to certain environments. Enjoy the world and what it has to offer, learning one step at a time! 

Until next time, keep bloggin around and advocating for your children.