posted July 29, 2008 09:54 PM         

her father usually is extremely critical of me and dumps all over me telling me that I'm a bad parent that can't handle my own child - I know that I am doing the best for my child , who is special needs and needs help. I know I'm not the only one that has many problems with her.

Today I had to call the social worker to get funding to put an Aide in camp with her and got in contact with the aide agency etc....

What a bad time to start something - I fear that many things will hit the fan.

The eclipse falls is my 3/9th houses
My daughter's 6/12th houses
My ex's 6/12th house.

I have no idea on what to expect now......any eclipse experts out there?

Thanks so much - a head of time...

posted July 29, 2008 10:45 PM         

ID - many parents are their child's best advocate in gaining funding. I'm sorry you have had to put on armour to do this. I see this in many parents I work with, and at times I will advocate when and where I can.

Learn the processess and talk to other parents to find the loopholes, or other little burrows you can use to access information and funding from.

Also once your child is back at Day camp, call each day to ask who has been assigned to her and how they are coping with your daughter (Do not ask how your daughter is behaving first up, as the real issue is 'the care of your daughter').

If you can, meet the Aide and other staff in person. Introduce yourself and if possible, ask for a communication booklet to be written in each day on the activities your daughter was involved in, and how she participated in them.

Also, importantly, ask the Camp what their procedure/protocol for dealing with behaviours are in regard to sending children home. Ask also for a behaviour management plan to be drawn up for your daughter so that she can have an alternative option if the environment she is in, is overwhelming her. You will need to sign this to give them permission to proceed with this.

Be up to date on paediactric advice, and register at the most relevant agency that would support your daughter eg, cerebal palsy agency, austism league. Ask a representative/social worker/OT to visit the Day camp to talk with staff and view the environment.

Now that your daughter is at school age and will be interacting more with people ie, children and staff/carers, you may find the next 2-3 years crucial in setting up supports for yourself and your daughter.

Keep all phone numbers and names of each person you will deal with over the next 2 years.

I'm sorry that I am telling you this in such a public way ID. I know having a child with special needs is challenging. It could be frustrating, but just by knowing a couple of simple steps along the way will help.

Meet with parents in a similar situation.

love koiflower xx