Advocating Needs

The first couple years of school can be a huge trial and error session for your child.  My oldest came home with a paper that was TOTALLY wrong.  I asked her if she knew the information.  She informed me she did but it was a bit tricky.  I asked her... "What did you do about it?".  She said she sat there.  I then asked, "Were you allowed to get help?".  She said "yes".  So my question was well why not get help.  

So many adults decide not to advocate for their own needs because of the fear of asking.  It's ominous, but it's an important skill to acquire. Teaching kids how to advocate for their needs is a key part in self sufficient and independent growth and development.  We have a saying at our house, "the only way we know when we don't know, is when we ask someone who knows".  Seeking knowledge from the correct sources is not natural for some.  As a parent I understand that I am my child's biggest advocate, but I'm also her biggest life coach.  She must know that some things can be done on her own and raising a hand in class when you do not have the answer is not a sign of weakness but a sign of commitment to personal development.  Although she wasn't excited, she understood how to improve for next time.