Expectations

Many expectations are set before children are born.   They will walk, be potty trained, tie their shoes, and meet various milestones by a certain age.   But our children often have uneven development.    It's easy for us to become anxious and for them to be discouraged.

Encouraging Words

Consider how you feel when you're asked to do something that's difficult for you.  Our children need help and more time to meet their objectives.  It's important to show our faith and express our confidence in them. 

How do you respond when they utter the words "Why bother?" or "I'll never get this right."

We're collecting of stories that remind us how important it is not to give up.   Here's an example:

Keep Running! 

Imagine that you’re watching the last inning of a baseball game.  This game is for the state championship.

It's the bottom of the 9th, score is 5 to 4 with visitors ahead.  There's one on and two outs.  The winning run is at the plate.

The batter hits a long drive deep into center field.  One run is in and the winning run is rounding third-he’s heading home!    

Then suddenly, he stopped running!!!!   The crowd can’t believe their eyes!  He’s not moving!    What’s he doing?  

After the game ended, reporters surrounded the runner and asked him why he stopped.  He could have won the game!

He answered, "Because we never won a game from this far behind before." 

ADVOCATES FOR HIRE

Finally!  Get the answers you need!   Experienced, trained special education advocate services are available from to parents of NH students.    Initial conference is free.   Fees are negotiable, and YES, we can attend IEP meetings with you!  Please go to the contact us tab and submit your request.

  When you feel tired and sad, remember what makes you feel great:

• Laughing so hard your face hurts.
• A hot shower.
• Taking a drive on a country road.
• Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
• Hot towels out of the dryer.
• Walking out of your last final.
• Finding the sweater you want is on sale or half price.
• A care package.
• The beach.
• Finding a $20 bill in your coat from last winter.
• Running through sprinklers.
• Having someone ask you if you’ve lost weight.
• Laughing at an inside joke.
• Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
• Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
• Being part of a team.
• Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
• Playing with a puppy.
• Having someone wash your hair.
• Sweet dreams.
• Road trips with friends.
• Swinging on swings.
• Watching a good movie.
• Losing 10 lbs.
• Song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along without feeling stupid.
• Going to a really good concert.
• Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
• Winning a really competitive game.
• Spending time with close friends.
• Riding a bike downhill.
• The feeling after exercising - an accomplishment.
• The feeling you get the first time you step on stage.
• A walk outside in the fall foliage, all by yourself, and taking in the beauty of nature.
• The feeling Christmas morning, right before you turn the corner and see all the presents under the tree.
• Finding a love note in your lunch box.
• Watching a sunset.
• Getting a standing ovation.
• Hanging out with your good friends on a crappy day.
• Swimming outside under a clear sky of stars at 2:00 a.m. in the summer.
• Drooly kisses on the face from a toddler.
•A moment of peace and quiet. 
• When your dog/cat jumps in bed with you and just wants to be close.
• When your favorite football team goes to the Superbowl.
• Dancing to your favorite song.
• Seeing a shooting star!

Find comfort in  knowing that even though sometimes things get hard, you aren't alone.