The SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine 3rd Issue | Page 15

Valerie Carter From her watchful perch in CeCe’s backpack, Miss Matilda was surprised to see a yellow dog following them. Ugh! A dog! Click here to see a demonstration of the app and to download the first story for FREE! raise the bar for her so she can become her best-self. Elaborate on this comment: “I wish I knew then, what I know now!” When I was a social worker, I was not a parent. When I was a teacher, I was not a parent. Being a parent gives you so much perspective. It gives you so much more empathy, understanding, compassion and patience. I could have been a better person then if I knew what I know now. How has your life changed and what advice can you give to other mothers? I have learned to feel the beautiful pain of parenthood, the ups, the downs, the thrills, the fun, the fears, the wonderful roller coastfacebook 15 er adventure of it all. As a parent of a child with special needs, I hope that I have become more sensitive to other parents and their children. I have learned to recognize that when a child is excluded, ignored, ostracized, or bullied, the parent is hurt just as badly if not worse. It is terrible for everyone. Schools and parents need to make an effort to teach our children that others may look or act different but that is okay because we are supposed to be different from each other. Imagine if all our children were treated with kindness and respect. What a happier world it would be! Are there any special needs resources that have helped you along the way that you would like to share with other parents? Postive Exposure - http://positiveexposure. org - is an amazing international organizatwitter