Wow..I am speechless...


I was reading through all the posts, and I hear so many similar stories! Dealing with teachers, to tell or not to tell the teacher each year, (what our daughter, has been diagnosed with.) All of the the different therapies, speech, OT, Ed therapy, the neurologists, and neuro psychologists, the ENT's, and behvioralists...

I have never had s circle of support regusrding our daughter. I hsve never had a friend that had a child with a learning difference, I haven't never met a mother who spoke about it at least. I hsve always felt alone, and sometimes in so much pain emotionally over my daughters struggles...I am sure you all know what I mean.

We always have to be on the ball, on top of things all the time, in communication with all those that work with our kids, all of the time. It can be particularly hurtful when your child is falling behind academically, and the teacher complains that the rest of the class "gets it"...
My daughter tries so hard, and "gets it" just a bit slower than the rest. How can teachers expect everybody to learn at the same pace, or even in the same way? We all learn differently!

I also have other children without learning differences, which can be hard. My son (who is only a year older than my daughter) brings home straight A's, and has been excelling in music. I want him to get the praise he deserves, while not making my other child feel badly.

Recently, he got into the talent contest no problem, without even practicing...yet my daughter wanted in so bad, and did not make it. (And SHE PRACTICED.) I just want to shield her from the disapointment, but she feels it. I just can't help but wonder why God allowed her to be so sick at just six weeks old, and almost pass away.

Because of that illness, she has had her struggles for sure. I think someday she is going to grow up and teach special Ed, or do some type of therapy. She loves to play school, and she is very compassionate and sweet. Who better to teach special ed, then someone who grew up with struggles? Who would relate better, or understand better?

I know this happened to her for a reason, and I really do think we are both stronger people because of it. I just have to believe that this is a gift, it is for a greater purpose than what we see now. Because it can be hard to see past the day to day struggles sometimes. But at my core I do believe that.

Thank you for "listening"

Kristin

By Joan on Saturday, February 21, 2009 - 09:33 pm:

Just keep advocating for your daughter, Kristen. You certainly have the right attitude. I believe that one day you will be able to see the "greater purpose" in this. I don't know what your religious beliefs are, but I believe that God sees your daughter as a unique human being with a purpose in this world that only she can fill. He knows that you can handle this and help her in fulfilling her purpose.

By Northcountrymom on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - 01:59 am:

Hi Kristen,
We have 2 special needs children. It is exausting staying one step ahead of the professionals and experts as an advocate for your child. It is also so hard to avoid the compare and despair syndrome at home as well as at school. We've done quite a bit outside of school to mix it up a bit and give the kids other arenas to find themselves. Joan your encouragement is so right on. I remember when I learned that Albert Einstein flunked math and Winston Churchill was dismissed from school as dumb and told he wouldn't amount to anything (both had learning differences). We belong to a number of groups to support us and our children with their respective special circumstances. It does help. I didn't think many people's children had special needs but I found that a lot parents got special help for their children quietly and off the grid. If your daughter has a diagnosis or an assessment that identifies a specific difficulty there is a support group for it.

One of my adult children wants to help kids with LD issues because of what happenend to him in school also.

Linda

By Lilianasmama on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 04:19 pm:

Hi Joan,

Thank you for your kind words! I do believe, just as you said there is a special purpose just for her. I am very spiritual, and raised in the Christian faith. I know I have spent a great deal of time praying for her. I know it will all work out for her. She is probably the child I need to worry about least, but tend to worry about most.

Thank you again your advice was so sweet.
Kristin

By Lilianasmama on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 04:33 pm:

Hi Linda,

I heard that as well about Einstein, and I often remind my little girl about that as she is having struggles with pre algebra and science.

You are right, it can be tiring staying one step ahead of the professionals. I know it does help my daughter if I continue to have constant communication with everyone that works with her. It helps us keep the focus on the latest areas of concern and less focus on the areas that she has made progress in.

I am one of those parents who is getting help quietly and off the grid...who knows, you are probably right there are probably many other parents doing the same thing...and I have not realized.

I always try and have the kids try new things to find what they love...so far my son has found music, and my daughter loves tap and ballet. It really does help the feel good about themselves too! Life can't be all about work work work....the kids need balance! Especially the LD kids. Unfortunatly, they usually have to work harder as well. But i think it makes them stronger people.

Kristin

By Northcountrymom on Saturday, July 4, 2009 - 11:06 am:

Hi Lilianasmama,

Would love to hear about your schooling decisions for the summer and fall. How did the school year end? My eldest (24 aaah!) who has serious LD issues is trying to forge forward - we are surprised at how important some of the stuff we did in Junior High and Highschool to help him is remembered and actually coming into play.
Linda