"The greatest gift that a mother can give to her child is to have her face

light up whenever the child enters the room."   - Toni Morrison

No better gift, indeed.  I know first hand what it means to be that child who is loved unconditionally by her parents and I also know what it means to me as an adult.  It means that I have a strong sense of self and good self esteem. More importantly, it means that I have been given the gift of a box of tools for parenting, by the example of my parents.   These tools help me to be a good and loving parent.  Boy, have those tools come in handy!   While my parents did not raise a child with a disability - the same box of tools - filled with unconditional love, acceptance and the embracement of our child's unique set of talents, works in raising our son. 

With the obstacles that our children with special needs must overcome on a daily basis at school and at home, that unconditional love and understanding is vital for their self esteem and sense of self worth. The Toni Morrison quote at the top of this page is written on the dedication page of Rick Lavoie's book for parents of children with special needs titled, "It's So Much Work to Be Your Friend".  That book is a toolbox of its own- with great advice in helping your child achieve social success.

Rick is a renowned self esteem expert, special needs champion, speaker, educator and author.  Rick is also known for his videos about learning and children with disabilities called F.A.T. (frustration, anxiety and tension) City.  His website is chock-full of tips, articles, pod casts and stories for parents and educators about helping children with special needs succeed at school and at home.

On Wednesday night, November 5th, The Special Education Advisory Board of Elmbrook invites all interested parties to view Rick Lavoie's video and workshop "Beyond F.A.T. City".  This program will help parents and educators more fully understand the frustration and anxiety that children with learning disabilities face on a daily basis.  Rick's video is full of tools and tips to help your child learn the way they need to learn and at their own pace.  The presentation will be held from 7:00 - 9:00 at the Elmbrook District Office, 13780 Hope Street, in Brookfield.  For more information contact Sally at 414-704-8248 or email Sflasch@aol.com.

As parents of children with special needs, I believe we can never have enough tools to aid in our parenting, so I will be at the F.A.T. City workshop to learn as much as I can about helping my child learn without frustration and anxiety. 

My mother's face still lights up when I walk in, as did my father's before he passed away.  I have paid it forward and this is the gift that I give my child every time he wheels into the room.