Advocate: you've probably heard the term before.? But what does it mean to you?


Advocating happens when you speak on behalf of someone else. You say for them what they can't say for themselves.


When you have a child who has been diagnosed with a learning disability Cheap NFL Jerseys Free Shipping , this is exactly what you must do for them.? You must speak on their behalf.?? You know your child the best of anybody, and you are the best person to speak for them.


It sounds like a tall order, and it is. It is not always an easy thing to do.? I know.? I've been there.? Even with a college degree and a special education classroom of my own, I often felt "less than" the other members of the PET (Pupil Evaluation Team), the group of teachers and administrators that we met with to determine Michele's program.? Sometimes Cheap NFL Jerseys From China , I felt as if I was being punished for not doing enough for my daughter, since she didn't learn the same way as the other children. Granted, it wasn't the professionals who made me feel that way, it was my own perspective.? But, right or wrong Cheap NFL Jerseys China , that's the way I felt.


As a teacher of students with LD, I sat through many PET meetings in which parents sat quietly looking down at their hands, feeling painfully inadequate.? They didn't feel qualified enough to realize they had anything to add to the proceedings.? After all, they were sitting with people who had college degrees and years of experience and training in teaching.? Many felt that, for some reason Cheap NFL Jerseys , they were to blame because their child had a learning disability.? Others felt that because they had little or no college education, they weren't as smart as the teachers.


That's not true.? Parents can add more to the PET meeting than anyone else.


You know your child better than anyone else.? You know what works best with them.? You are their parent and you know how they think.? Those things qualify you to be able to speak on equal footing with anyone else in the PET.? If the PET recommends that your child begin his homework right when he gets home from school, but you know that he needs a break to relax, then speak up.? If he is really tired by the end of the school day, then the teachers need to know that.? If they recommend that your child do homework in total silence Cheap Jerseys Online , but you know that listening to music helps your child to shut out the rest of the world so they can concentrate better, then tell the team.? All of that information helps them to work with your child in school as well.? Don't be shy about letting them know what works.


Don't be afraid to stand up for your child.? Sometimes, because the child's progress needs to be discussed at the PET, things can sound somewhat negative.? It's vital to ask for the good things that are going on with the child as well, and when you disagree with something a PET member says Cheap Jerseys Wholesale , express your feelings.? Your child can't do that for himself - he needs you for you to do that for him.


Your child may not be able to tell others what they need. They may not know, themselves.? Or they may not have the language to express their needs.? Or, they may feel intimidated to tell adults what is going on with them even if they do know how to express themselves.? It is up to you to help the PET understand the needs of your child and to speak up for him or her.


Remember, your child's education affects the rest of his life, and it's in your hands.? It is a great responsibility Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping , there's no doubt about it. But you know your child better than anyone else. You are your child's best advocate. You can do it!


For more up-to-date plain talk about learning disabilities, please visit us at .



Westies dogs? owners delight in the companionship their dogs give them during long and leisurely walks. But this activity should be one that brings pleasure to both.


How can you ensure that your dog also enjoys these activities?


First, you'll need to get your dog accustomed to having his paws handled and manipulated.


These are important Westie health issues that come under the grooming umbrealla.


When your dog is tolerant of such treatment it would be easier for both you and the veterinarian to carefully scrutinize your dog if there are cuts or bruises on, in and around his paws.


Where should these foot exams take place? Pick a spot that's comfortable for both of you, and is at the same time well-lit. Here's how to do it. Put the dog's paw in your hand. Run your finger around every pad. If you feel lumps Cheap Jerseys From China , examine it closely to find out what it is.


Keep a pair of tweezers handy, to pull out bits of twig that may be stuck.


If the skin is broken, put anti-bacterial ointment or powder on the sore. Check the next day to ensure it heals ain from taking a walk with your dog in the next couple of days, until the healing is completed.


Here's what you should do if you find a lump in one foot that's not present in the other foot. Get your dog to the vet. He or she may have an abscess or an interdigital cyst.


Examine and trim the paws regularly.


Regularly trim all the hair that's out from between the pads. Don't trim it too tight. If you see a matt of hair sticking out, cut it. Don't strip or pull the hairs. It's painful for your dog.