Parenting is often difficult and parenting while dealing with the convoluted special education systems and IEPs is even more so. When you have to manage—or at least keep an eye on—complex medical needs, coordinating specialists, your child’s IEP’s overall quality, and a convoluted special education system: this buildup of tasks can rapidly overwhelm anyone. There is a steep learning curve, but your child’s need is immediate.
What are some of the things you can do to help alleviate your frustration when dealing with aspects of special education and IEPs?
Keep in mind that special education and IEPs are not a sprint. It helps to treat these processes like a marathon; if you exert all your energy in the early part of the race, you won’t have enough left over to cross the finish line. A crisis can be so immediate that we have to switch into our “full crisis management mode,” but remember that your ability to care for and advocate for your child is greater when you take care of yourself.
A great place to start is by taking a deep breath and allowing your mind to relax. COVID-19 changed the world and has made everything more stressful and terrifying—this pandemic is taxing on your mental health no matter who you are. If you are able to squeeze in a few minutes of self care, you can do a few more things: listen to a mediation app, call a trusted friend, take a long shower or a long walk, read a magazine (take a break from 
pandemic-related articles if you haven’t yet), or give yourself permission to STOP for 5-10 minutes and do nothing. If none of these activities sound like something you could alleviate stress with, find out what works and make sure to find time for it! Anything that gives you time to breathe will help!
Lastly, advocates are designed to help alleviate stress in special education and IEPs. If you have not yet worked with one, please call us today! We would love to help you and your child get a free, appropriate, public education and take away the worry and frustration that comes from dealing with the convoluted nature of this sector.
Talk to an advocate. Learn your rights.
https://www.facebook.com/aspireadvocacy
www.aspireadvocacy.com
As parents, we understand, As advocates, we can help.