A dear friend, @mywildloves, wrote a post about her five year old needing an IQ test to establish an IEP. I wanted to comment on her post, but something was unleashed. Perhaps I have been away from blogging too long. Anyway, below is my reply, for her, and the world to see. The world expects us to raise our children as thought they are adults, much is lost in the process. Kids no longer have the freedom to be kids. Some of it is out of safety, most of it is wrong. Long gone are the days of staying out until the street lights come on, of being able to make mistakes and not be judged for the rest of your life. In large part we, the people, are to blame for this. We have released our responsibility as parents to those that ‘think’ they know better. We have pushed so hard for standards based on looking outwards, instead of quality while looking inwards. Where are the shop classes, home economics, life skills? Why are third graders expected to know how to code, but not balance a checkbook by then end of highschool? Because “it is the way the world will be”.This is a farce. Yes, there is a need for IEP’s and assessments. But the red tape is a mire many cannot navigate. Why is it so much to ask to be held accountable? Why do some parents hold the IEP as a shield, others as a sword, and even some as an identity? I long for my kids to be kids, and I will go down fighting ANY who try to stop that. My daughter has enough going on, that will follow her as she grows, the least I can do is fight for her to be a kid. My oldest son has a golden heart, and does not understand why others view his sister as different. She is his best friend, and he has already shown his willingness to fight for her. My youngest son is but four months old, but this is the world we live in. Something must change, something must be done, and my voice will never grow tired of speaking reason for change. My heart, it knows action is coming, and it is ready. Parents, be PARENTS! fight for your kids, you should know them better than a school, or day care. If you do not, fix that first. I miss the old days, the time of being a kid, as many of you do. So, let’s fix it, shall we. What are your thoughts? Am I off my rocker? Am I delusional in my logic? If so, how? Enlighten me. Help me see what you do so I can make better parenting decisions for my kids. That is a good start, right? Live big, love bigger, and be kind, always.
