I wish everyone who works with kids could and would take training on affirming "discipline". We are not trained in reacting to kids who throw toys, climb on tables, and have meltdowns. I know it too often has nothing to do with bad behavior but it's the only way the kid knows how to react. As adults we need to be guided in what is helpful, not hurtful reactions.
I agree @Jane Anderson! Especially those who work with kids - it’s not easy to manage a group of kids to begin with and it can be tempting to shut down a kid who has different needs, due to a need to manage the classroom. But it’s easy to miss a kid’s real needs in the process. I say this with humility because I’ve never been a public school teacher, so I am sure it’s harder than I could imagine! I have worked with kids in other settings and felt that somewhat, but I’ve never done it as my full-time job. Like you, I especially respect teachers who have alternative and creative ways of responding to kids in need.
Such a tenderly told story. My heart just breaks for the brokenness of the system and the parents trying to help and this precious young man trying to survive! I look forward to hearing the "rest of the story."
I'm so blessed to have Serena here to tell it! We also tell our unfolding story here on Substack at blacksheepmom.com if you want to go deeper and learn more! 🖤
Thanking you, Serena, for bringing to light this heartbreaking story. Serena's strength and enduring love inspires me! What a huge difference between having a problem and being named a problem. Educators need more training in autism and Asperger's.
Thanks Suzanne! I think you meant Bridget's strength - and I agree! Super inspiring how she has loved her son and advocated for him through such hard times. Great word - the difference between having a problem and being NAMED a problem. One describes what we carry, another describes our identity. Thanks for calling that out.
Thank you, Serena. What a gift to link arms with you. 🖤
💛 💚 so grateful to walk with you in the journey of parenting neurodiverse young adults!
Thank you Bridget… from another mom of a son with special needs… (and also a counselor!)… bless you.
Thank YOU, Julie. I'm thankful for other moms who know.
Thank you Bridget.. from another mom with a dear son with special needs (and am also a counselor!)… it’s nice to meet you!
You had me with your opening question! Thanks for writing this post and sharing your stories.
Thanks Sarah! :)
This was a compelling read. I am glad I came across your article.
I’m so glad @Destiny S. Harris! Nice to meet you!
Wow, you are heroes. Hats off to both of you.
Thanks, Anima, for the encouragement! Appreciate you.
Serena, well written and thought provoking! Thank you for sharing my daughter and grandson’s difficult journey 🙏
Nice to "meet" you, Darcie! Thanks for the encouragement. I'm sorry for how hard the journey has been - I'm sure you've been a great support to them!
Serena,,,, and very nice to “meet” you also. Thank you for your kindness 🩷
I wish everyone who works with kids could and would take training on affirming "discipline". We are not trained in reacting to kids who throw toys, climb on tables, and have meltdowns. I know it too often has nothing to do with bad behavior but it's the only way the kid knows how to react. As adults we need to be guided in what is helpful, not hurtful reactions.
Yeah, it definitely requires leadership at the systemic level for schools to be able to work better for all kids!
that's a great point, Marika - leadership on both the teacher and systemic levels!
I agree @Jane Anderson! Especially those who work with kids - it’s not easy to manage a group of kids to begin with and it can be tempting to shut down a kid who has different needs, due to a need to manage the classroom. But it’s easy to miss a kid’s real needs in the process. I say this with humility because I’ve never been a public school teacher, so I am sure it’s harder than I could imagine! I have worked with kids in other settings and felt that somewhat, but I’ve never done it as my full-time job. Like you, I especially respect teachers who have alternative and creative ways of responding to kids in need.
Such a tenderly told story. My heart just breaks for the brokenness of the system and the parents trying to help and this precious young man trying to survive! I look forward to hearing the "rest of the story."
I'm so blessed to have Serena here to tell it! We also tell our unfolding story here on Substack at blacksheepmom.com if you want to go deeper and learn more! 🖤
I love your Substack! Vouching for this as a compelling read.
Thank you, Serena!
Thanks, @Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage - I’m with you in the grief of this!
Thanking you, Serena, for bringing to light this heartbreaking story. Serena's strength and enduring love inspires me! What a huge difference between having a problem and being named a problem. Educators need more training in autism and Asperger's.
Thanks Suzanne! I think you meant Bridget's strength - and I agree! Super inspiring how she has loved her son and advocated for him through such hard times. Great word - the difference between having a problem and being NAMED a problem. One describes what we carry, another describes our identity. Thanks for calling that out.