To Spencer’s Future Teachers,
Congratulations! You have the pleasure of teaching my
amazingly awesome, super adorable, and absolutely amazing child. I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about him. His first week of school will be hell, for
all involved, due to all the changes. Don’t
let this deter you. Don’t be afraid of
him. He’s actually freakishly well
behaved and a pretty mellow guy once he gets in a routine. His father and I are also great resources to
help you teach our child, so please utilize us as much as you absolutely need
to, as in the end we both want the same things…for Spencer to be the best
Spencer he can be and for him to love school.
I’m sure you’ve read his IEP and his lengthy list of
diagnoses. The thing to remember about
Say Barber Biesecker Syndrome, or Genitopatellar Syndrome, or any of the other
thirty of so diagnoses Spencer has is that they do not define who he is. Spencer is well behaved, brave, a talented
musician (although I’m a little biased), funny, compassionate, and a great big
brother whether he wants to admit it or not.
He however is not, hypotonia, hearing impairment, cognitive delay, or
arthogryposis.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that he’s three and a half and
not a baby. Please don’t treat him like
one, because the second you do, he will eat you alive. He knows how to play the game of letting
people underestimate him. Make him do
things he doesn’t want to do. He’ll cry
a bit. He’ll either get over it or have
a complete and utter meltdown, but at least he tried it and we can try it again
or adapt for the next time. The only
way he will grow is if we challenge him.
My biggest fear with Spencer starting school is the other
children. There are safety concerns,
naturally, but I am more concerned about how he may be treated. Don’t let Spencer isolate himself. He’ll try to.
He isn’t a huge fan of other children and will often cry when they
approach him. My biggest hope for school
is that he will get over that and make some friends, and If he is sheltered
from them he won’t. Kids don’t judge at
this age and will hopefully see a buddy, not a wheelchair or a feeding
tube.
My biggest piece of advice?
Don’t panic. I have kept this
child alive for three and a half years with no formal medical training (I
actually have an education degree). You’ll
be fine. Teach him.
Sincerely,
Spencer’s Mom
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