As a special needs parent. I am not sure how many IEP meetings I have attended. The IEP meeting is an emotional time for all involved. The stress level in the room can change quickly. I would rather have a mammogram and visit the OB-GYN in the same day, than attend an IEP meeting. It is not because I don’t care about Sydney. Or that I am not concerned with advocating for her education. IEP meetings drain the life out of me. I leave her meetings looking pale as a ghost and that’s pretty hard for me to do. I know other parents feel this way, even if they don’t say it.
I remember sitting in an IEP and I felt a panic attack coming. Everyone was talking and I just started praying. Praying that God would speak for me, that I wouldn’t cry, and that I would speak with peace and love.
As I prepare for Sydney’s upcoming IEP. I will email my talking points to the entire team prior to the meeting. I will have a sheet that will help me document who will be responsible for any changes that are being made and how that will be communicated to me in the future. I have my IEP essentials ready to go in my bag.
-
My Bible
-
My Crucifix and Scapular
-
My Holy Water
-
Harrison’s Rosary
I was thinking about making an entrance with an incense burner to anoint the room. But I thought that might be too much. My mommy told me to take my burdens to the altar and leave them there. Meaning pray about it and leave it in God’s hands to fix it. And that is what I have decided to do. Let God’s will be done.
Being a single mom going into the IEP adds more stress. I’m flying solo and sometimes flying solo can be lonely.
A Woman's Work - Brooke Basically Blogging 