When I was in 7^th grade my American History class watched an amazing documentary called “Eyes on the Prize.” It is about the civil rights movement in America.  If you ever have the opportunity, I highly recommended it.  Watching that documentary taught me that if you keep your focus on a goal—eventually you will accomplish the goal-even if it takes longer than you want it to.  The civil rights movement lasted from 1954-1968.  Although it seemed like a long road-finally 14 years later, the Civil Rights Act was signed.

I find this to be same with parents in the o ffice with children with communication challenges.  In our office I make together with the parent when we complete the initial evaluation. But sometimes they start to get a little concerned that progress is not happening as fast as they want.  Sometimes it comes after one of these events:

-they have spent time with a family member that has a child the same age that is talking up a storm (and their child is not saying many words)

-they have read an article or seen a website that has them concerned.  (See last weeks post about staying away from google.)

Remember that your child’s progress is your child’s progress.  I always ask parents to give 6-12 months of consistent therapy before questioning whether it is working or not.  It is easy to get distracted or sidetracked by others or to compare your child to other children but I just want to remind you to keep your eyes on your prize and that is your little one.  

Since this is the last email/ post of February I want to wish us all a Happy Black History Month.  Thank you to my ancestors that gave up their lives in the name of freedom.  I will always be grateful. Whether or not you are African-american-I believe this is a month that we should all celebrate because it makes us all better AMERICANS when know our history.