How to save your child from failing in school?

by | Mar 16, 2014 | Children, Education, Professional Speaker

Gayle Forman

 

Child Advocate

Who knows your children better than you do?  As great as many educators are, often children are misunderstood in crowded classrooms.  Even the most seasoned teacher or school lets some children fall between the cracks.  If your child has great communication skills they will come home and tell you what they are feeling during schooling and in various classes.  I cannot emphasize how important it is to listen carefully to what your child is telling you.  Misdiagnosis is common.  Often children who are struggling to grasp what they are being taught in school begins to act out for a variety of reasons.  Frustration can lead to all kinds of behavioral problems, not to mention self-esteem issues.  It can easily be described as the snowball effect and you suddenly discover that your child is categorized as learning disabled.  As a parent, discovering that your child has been incorrectly categorized can be a shocking experience.

So then what?  Do you, the parent fight for the rights of your child?  Yes, of course, but do you know how to approach your child’s school.  Most parents do not have a clue about what they need to do, nor do they know the rules they must adhere to.  If you do not know who to contact, or how to keep records as your child transcends from K through 12, it may just affect the entire development of their education and their ability to succeed during life.

Fortunately, there are advocates who can make the entire process easier and less painful.  Today in 2014 most parents are working parents.  Whether the household is single parent or intact with both mother and father present, more than likely the parents are working full-time, making communication and advocacy for your child a daunting task.

There are so many stumbling blocks along the way.  Here are few questions to ask yourself:

  • Do you know the rules?
  • Do you know who to contact and who makes the decisions about your child’s education?
  •  Do you keep good records and every report ever issued about your child?
  •  Are you well read on the educational process in your school system?
  •  If you are experiencing issues, are you affiliated with any parental support groups, advocates, or organizations in your particular area?
  •  Are you comfortable communicating with the school and counselors?
  •  Are you confident that you know enough to offer solutions regarding the issues your child is facing?
  •  Do you involve your child in decisions at an early age?

 If you are feeling overwhelmed and finding that you are not getting anywhere, do not despair because there is help available.  Today on Never Say Impossible Radio we have Gayle Forman psychotherapist and child advocate visiting with us.  Here is the good news; if you need help from a seasoned child advocate this is an important interview.

This child advocate will explain how she can step in and help you and your child get the best possible results during the school year.

Click here to listen:  Non-Flash MP3 Direct Link   

Gayle Forman is an experienced psychotherapist and very passionate about her work. As a health care provider in an out patient setting at a local hospital for ten years, she gained enormous experience working with individuals, couples, and children.

Her focus has been helping people who have depression, anxiety, dissociative disorders, marital issues, as well as extensively with parents needing help with their children. Gayle assists her clients with communication skills, between partners, between couples, between parents and their children. She is seasoned in dealing with schools and works as a parents advocate for accommodations for special needs children.

Treatment modalities vary according to what is necessary and in the best interest of her clients. Gayle is actively involved in discussions with her clients and believes therapy is a partnership between client and therapist.

She has an extensive history working with Tourette Syndrome and is involved with the association at various levels since 1980.  Gayle is a skilled workshop presenter for, schools parents, and families that are living with TS and Dissociative Disorders.