Be Your Child's Voice
As a parent you want to be there for your child. You want to help them
and support them in any way you can, but, you can’t be there all the time. Do
you ever feel like your child isn’t being heard by someone, or multiple people?
Do you see your child struggle to communicate their needs and frustrations?
Part of helping a child is to help them find their voice. I know, I
know, they in many ways have found their voice and sometimes don’t know when to
stop! But, in this case, what I mean is this; helping your child be able to in
a respectful manner explain what they need or how they feel. They need help to
not be afraid to speak for themselves. This applies to anyone who your child
may come in contact with, a teacher, an adult, a peer, friend, or someone else.
Help your child have the confidence to speak for themselves.
How is this done? Well, for starters setting an example. If you as an
adult can set a positive example, by listening to your child when they need to
be heard this is a good start. In addition to, if you as the adult can set the
example of how to talk about an issue or conflict in a healthy manner this also
helps your child.
Also, being there when your child needs to talk to someone they may
feel intimidated by is another. If your child needs to talk to a teacher or
another adult in authority and they are nervous, be there for them. If you
can’t be there physically at least being there emotionally. Help them with the
words to say and the way to say it. Help them practice their words. Role play what
they may say to the person your child needs to talk to.
Also, be available when things don’t go as your child hoped. Help them
process what happened and what could have been different. If your child’s needs
are still not being met, then you as the parent most likely will need to step
in and be your child’s voice. Speak on
behalf of your child. This may need to be done with your child there or not.
Ask your child if they would like you to help them talk to someone who they may
not be comfortable talking to.
Go your child’s meetings. Speak up to others who may not understand
your child. Help them understand your child’s needs, frustrations, and wants.
Also, be able to listen to what they say back to you. Remember that teachers
and other school professionals have your child the majority of the day. They
may be aware of things you are not.
If your child is too young, then of course you are their voice. Don’t
be afraid to speak up for your child and what their needs are. Some
professionals may look down on parents because they are young and don’t have
experience. Don’t let this stop you. Many young parents feel intimidated by
doctors and other professionals because they are young and feel judged. If you
are a new parent or a young parent don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out
to other parents who may have gone through something similar.
Being someone’s voice is one of the most important things you can do
for someone. It is even more important when it is your child. Teaching your
child to use their voice is one of the best things you can teach a child. But,
so is being their voice when they are not able to be. Help your child see that
they are important because someone is willing to stick up for them when they
need them to.
As a helping professional, it is my responsibility to teach children to
use their voice as well be their voice when they cannot. Sometimes this
involves advocating for them with someone as close to them as their parent or
another family member. I take this part of my job as very important and needed.
Children need an adult they can trust to speak on their behalf when they
cannot.
