Advocating for complicated kids (gifted, 2e, LD, or anything in between) is stressful. IEP meetings are as draining for me as my PhD qualifying exams were, and it sometimes feel as though I put as much time and sense of self worth into preparing for them.
Keep in mind that this is a marathon, not a sprint. You don't stop for a Gatorade in a sprint. You do, however, "walk the water stops" for a Gatorade in a marathon. Your body needs replenishment. Marathons also go better if your run with a friend. It's someone there to support you, encourage you, and be there for you at the finish.
Don't forget to take time for yourself. Lean on your partner if possible. Find a friend who's been there, and lean on that person for moral support and guidance. And remember to walk the water stop and get that Gatorade. Gatorade in this case could be a milkshake, a margarita, or a diet coke. Take some time and do something that satisfies you and signals to you that *this drink is for you.*
A friend is on her way over. We're going to go over the draft IEP for her 2e son. She's stressed, feeling out of her depth, and feeling unprepared. Hopefully we'll get her feeling a little better about the whole thing before the end of the evening. And we might crack open a bottle of wine while she's here.
Keep in mind that this is a marathon, not a sprint. You don't stop for a Gatorade in a sprint. You do, however, "walk the water stops" for a Gatorade in a marathon. Your body needs replenishment. Marathons also go better if your run with a friend. It's someone there to support you, encourage you, and be there for you at the finish.
Don't forget to take time for yourself. Lean on your partner if possible. Find a friend who's been there, and lean on that person for moral support and guidance. And remember to walk the water stop and get that Gatorade. Gatorade in this case could be a milkshake, a margarita, or a diet coke. Take some time and do something that satisfies you and signals to you that *this drink is for you.*
A friend is on her way over. We're going to go over the draft IEP for her 2e son. She's stressed, feeling out of her depth, and feeling unprepared. Hopefully we'll get her feeling a little better about the whole thing before the end of the evening. And we might crack open a bottle of wine while she's here.