I wasn’t going to include this at Green and Clean Mom, but then I saw my friend Lynn posted a great article on advocating for your child and thought it would be appropriate to share my thoughts with you. The word “advocate” seems pretty powerful and broad, actually it scares some people. If they advocate for something, they stand on some line voicing an opinion and taking a stand. A stand in something they believe in. All parents believe in their child so it makes perfect sense to be your child’s advocate but like Lynn points out, what does this mean?
Each person finds advocating for their child to be a challenge when there is a problem. It means asking questions, pressing buttons, writing letters and it could mean hurt feelings if other children and families are involved. It means speaking up if you are shy and realizing that your little one needs you to speak up. This can be tough and each parent has their own philosophy and belief on when is or isn’t the time to stand up for a child. For example, some parents think kids need to handle their own fights and problems on the playground and “toughin” up but when does the line get crossed? It’s touchy. I think in life we’ll all find different times to advocate for our child. I’ve had to do this with doctors and in the hospital for my two year old and that meant not being popular and even raising my voice but it was what I felt was right for her as her mom. Then there is the bigger picture of advocating like for the Kids Safe Chemical Act or for paid leave or universal health care for children.
Besides, most of my readers knowing I’m an advocate for the Kid Safe Chemical Act and protecting our kids against harmful chemical exposure I do hold other issues dear and near to my heart. Personally, I’m an advocate for early childhood programs and services in Michigan . I believe our kids need a good start to life and with the economy there is no better time to invest in our children. I believe in the free preschool programs, nurses coming to do home visits and services that target the 0-5 population. I have seen these services do wonders for children and families and I have used these services both when I was a child and for my children. I had the baby blues and a horrible first experience breast feeding and the home visiting nurse was my shoulder to cry on and the lady that “rescued” me from my emotions of misery. That is priceless in my eyes.
Read more from Sommer P. at her blog, Green and Clean Mom, where she writes about how going green is sexy, sassy and fun. Sommer is a social networking and marketing consultant and passionate mother and teacher. Find her on twitter as @greenmom
