Listen - it's just as easy to listen as it is to hear
Give understandable information
Realize that sometimes what you need to tell parents is hard for them to hear.
Inform families what their rights are, what appropriate services look like - families have to know what to advocate for.
View the child in the context of the family, not the family in the context of the child's disability.
Support family decision - even if you don't agree
Provide services now
Support parent to parent groups and activities
Advocate for children within the system that you work
Be hopeful with families in their realization about their child's future. Dreaming is part of having a family. "Systems don't bleed, families and children do" (parent)
"I never heard of a goal or outcome from a parent that was unrealistic - I only didn't know how to teach or how to accomplish that goal." (teacher)
