5 Ways to Encourage Self-Advocacy in Kids

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5 Ways to Encourage Self-Advocacy in Kids

When children are young, as parents and caregivers we tend to be their voice. But as our kids grow and have opinions of their own, we make the shift from being their voice to their megaphone to their cheerleader.

What this shift looks like and when it happens depends on the individual. What is important is we encourage self-advocacy in kids, regardless of their ability. This is not only an important life skill, but also essential to having personal safety and fulfillment.

 

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Volunteer With Passion, Not Obligation, to Make a Difference

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Volunteer With Passion, Not Obligation, to Make a Difference

As a responsible member of the community, there’s no getting around volunteering out of obligation. But when looking at how you spend the majority of your volunteer hours, and where you want to make a true difference, you need to ensure you’re volunteering with passion not obligation.

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Why Advocacy is Critical to Supporting Kids with Disabilities

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Why Advocacy is Critical to Supporting Kids with Disabilities

I really wish I didn’t have to write this article. I wish that kids with disabilities and complex needs would get the support they require to not just survive but thrive. I wish they had the education, learning supports, therapy and career counselling needed to help them live their best lives.  

Sadly, this isn’t the case and is the reason why advocacy is critical to supporting kids with disabilities.

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4 Ways to Move from Judgement to Curiosity

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4 Ways to Move from Judgement to Curiosity

Focusing on a child’s behaviour does nothing to help the situation. Rather, it allows biases, judgement and assumptions to take root and cloud what’s really happening.

Being curious about the behaviour versus judging the behaviour is the best way to support any child.

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Why Being a Truly Inclusive School Shouldn’t Be Scary

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Why Being a Truly Inclusive School Shouldn’t Be Scary

Despite all the talk about diversity and inclusion in classrooms, many schools and families still struggle with what this actually means and why it matters. Just having a child with disabilities or complex needs in a classroom isn’t enough. They need to be seen as a valued member of the school community.

Too often the conversation focuses on the challenges versus gifts these students bring to the classroom.

How can any kid be successful with this approach?

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Why We Need to Include Neurodiversity in the Diversity Conversation

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Why We Need to Include Neurodiversity in the Diversity Conversation

We need to include neurodiversity in the diversity conversation. Approximately 15 to 20% of the world’s population exhibits some form of neurodivergence. This includes individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, mental health conditions, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Tourette syndrome and more.

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Why Advocacy Is Not a Popularity Contest

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Why Advocacy Is Not a Popularity Contest

As kids head back to school, many parents and caregivers will be rolling up their sleeves and advocating for the supports their child needs and deserves. While some of us are seasoned veterans when it comes to advocacy, I know it doesn’t come easy to everyone.

Advocating for your child, or any child, can be frustrating, lonely and overwhelming. It can also cause friction with family members, educators and even friends.

Here’s the thing – advocacy is not a popularity contest.

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Limit Your Baggage - Don't Own Others' Emotions

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Limit Your Baggage - Don't Own Others' Emotions

Raising a child with a disability comes with enough pressure, without having to hold the emotional load of others. But it can take courage and persistence to set boundaries and not own others’ emotions.

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It’s Time to Stop Ignoring Women’s Health

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It’s Time to Stop Ignoring Women’s Health

As I was scrolling through Twitter, I came across a CBC article about the lack of appreciation of the pain caused to women during the insertion of birth control devices. In reading other women’s experiences, I jumped in and shared my own stories of not receiving pain management for extremely painful procedures.

It quickly became apparent that I’m not alone in going through unnecessary pain.

Despite the shared experience, women’s health still doesn’t receive the recognition or attention it deserves. It’s time to stop ignoring women’s health.

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Understanding What is Authentic Leadership

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Understanding What is Authentic Leadership

What is authentic leadership?

Simply put – it’s a person who shows up as their authentic self. It goes beyond taking leadership courses, implementing the hot lesson of the year or seeing leadership as a role. When you’re working with an authentic leader, you feel it.

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