I want you to take a no excuses approach to your child’s learning and education. I want you to do this because we won’t always be here to take care of our children and it is important that they are able to function as autonomous and productive members of the society in which they reside.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that your child needs to be able to do absolutely everything for themselves. There are a number of things that you and I can’t do and so we need to help your child reach their greatest level of independence for themselves. Whatever that may be, we need to get them to that point. I have asked that each member of my staff make the following commitment to each one of our clients. However, I am asking all of our parents to do the same for their children and those others around them. This is the first step in changing your mindset towards the education of your child.
“From this day forward, I will do my best to ensure that (child’s name) has what they need to be the most independent individual possible today, tomorrow, and for the rest of (his/her) life.”
No big, long, drawn out declarations; nothing strange and out of the ordinary. By making that one short sentence commitment, you are saying that you are going to take a “no excuses” approach to your child’s education and independence. There may be some trials, but from here we are making a conscious decision that the only place to go is up.
Barbara Erby, MS
Education & Behavioral Consultant
Breakthrough Developmental Services, LLC
Barbara Erby is an Education & Behavioral Consultant with Breakthrough Developmental Services, LLC. Barbara received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bowie State University in 1999 and a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Educational Psychology and an emphasis in Developmental Psychology from Capella University in 2004. Ms. Erby has worked with a variety of students in the school, home, and community environments as a Direct Care Worker, Family Trainer, and an Education & Behavioral Consultant.