Confident parents make good advocates

What is the most important thing you need in order to advocate for your child?

Confidence.

How do you build that confidence?

By developing your knowledge base and the skills which will make it easier to effectively navigate your way.

You are an expert regarding your own child. You know them better than anyone else. You know their ‘natural state’, what they look like when they are engaged with learning and happy with their place in the world. No-one has their interests held as tightly in their heart as a child's parents. No teacher, no matter how wonderful they might be, can know them as well as you.

My new book Gifted and Thriving at School: how proactive parents can get the education that fits their child is about to be released and it will guide you through the process of gathering and organising the information you need, building positive relationships with your child’s school, preparing for and attending meetings plus show you ways to communicate effectively, leaving you feeling confident that you can guide the progress of seeking the education that fits your child.

Being well prepared also boosts your confidence, but it does more than that. A well prepared parent is also an asset to the teacher. Being able to bring the teacher information and ideas about the path forward gives them a head start, helping them as well as your child.

Copies of Gifted and Thriving at School will be available from 7th March, 2012. Throughout the book you will hear the voices and advice of parents, many of whom started out hesitantly, adding their perspective to each of the steps in the process. If you would like to be among the first parents to benefit from this new book, you can pre-order your copy now from Thinking Ahead.

What have parents said so far?

"We gained great confidence from the structure you gave us. We felt we could take an active role in the process, rather than just waiting to see what was offered. Writing that thank you letter after each meeting turned out to be really useful. And because we felt more confident we were prepared to ask to see research that backed up what the school wanted to do.” 

"Just read the book and I have to say "THANK YOU!" What a fabulous way of helping parents. I remember back to when I first approached my son’s school. I was so nervous and intimidated about approaching the teachers, but this book gives me confidence to stand up and be heard! I love the organisational advice and I have already set up my 3 files, started photocopying articles and going through the giant box of papers, and can now feel confident that I can take some reading to the teacher and approach her without making her feel like she isn’t doing her job properly!"

"What a great road map - laid out so that you are guided from one step to the next. Truly empowering" 

Order your copy from Thinking Ahead and begin your advocacy journey with confidence.