I know that is politically incorrect to say. I know my kid is trying his best most of the time and being a kid the rest of the time. But I just hate that it is so much harder with him. I had an ard meeting today, that quite honestly was just ugly. I hate feeling like my child is a failure, I hate getting emotional in front of people, I just hate the whole system. I also know there is only so much they can do, but when your kid doesn't fit the mold, what can you do?

Just a vent. The short update on the ard is they added math services for my child, who is functioning at grade level, but they don't want him to fall behind (oh imagine...this is a testing year). I just don't really think it is about him and his needs, just what is going to be easiest on the school. It won't hurt him, I don't think, but I just feel like the more you modify, the more you dumb it down, the further behind they fall....ugh.

I really just hate this.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 12:24 pm:

(((HUGS KAYE))) I often wonder the same thing, are they doing what is best for the child or are they doing what is easiest for them?? It has to be rough for you... (((more hugs)))

By Cat on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 12:43 pm:

Oh, Kaye. I know exactly where you're coming from. I do the same thing. Some days I wish for "normal kid's problems". All our issues have to be extreme. We can't have just little issues! lol And standardized testing? Don't even get me started. Big hugs to both you and your little guy.

By Tink on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 12:59 pm:

Count me as another one who understands some part of what you're going through. I just get tired of always having to be "on guard" for the next problem, the next issue, the next defense against...whatever. Even when things seem to be going smoothly, we can't relax. We know that something will be looming on the horizon soon enough. It sounds great that they don't want him to fall behind but when you know their motivation isn't what's best for your child and that they wouldn't be offering this unless it was a testing year, it just is all the more frustrating. {{{Kaye}}}

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 07:30 pm:

Been there, done that, and know just how you feel. Don't feel guilty, please - or if you do (and you're a mom, so of course you feel guilty), try to balance it with all the good things you do, the smiles you bring to your children's faces, and the life issues and events that they overcome because you are the kind of parent you are.

I know all of you pretty well as parents, and I think you do great jobs.

I will say, when my oldest was in special ed it was before mainstreaming and still the time of separate, essentially private schools for special ed - and I am so glad. I understand the theory behind mainstreaming, but on the whole, I think my life was simpler.

By Kim on Thursday, August 31, 2006 - 07:35 am:

Kaye, I am glad you feel comfortable letting it out. I have kids with needs, not quite like yours, and its soooo stressful.


(((((HUGS)))))