We all know that moms are superheroes. As well as juggling countless balls, we’re single-handedly responsible for guiding our children in the right direction, a goal that often requires us to be the loudest advocates imaginable. This is especially true when it comes to health, happiness, and well-being. But, what if you’re a naturally shy person, or you’re simply not sure of the best path forward in a certain situation? 

It’s all too easy to let other people who supposedly ‘know better’ silence your doubts or your impulse to fight harder for what your child needs. This is bad news, but there are a few simple ways to step into your role as an advocate regardless, and we’re going to consider them here. 

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# 1 - Do Your Research

You’re a mom, not an expert in every topic, and so you may allow your doubts about certain situations to become silenced by professionals. Research is your best weapon for making sure this never happens. 

Let’s say you’re fighting for a child with disabilities, but healthcare professionals continually tell you they’re not eligible for vital support. By doing your own research into essential programs like HCS Family Services, you’ll be in a position to actively prove why your child is eligible for things like at-home modifications or behavioral support. 

The same can be said for everything from your child’s career prospects, to your ability to defend them to doubting teachers – the more you know about the technicalities of a topic, the more avidly you’ll be able to advocate in the right direction. 

# 2 - Speak to More Than One Professional

Good advocates don’t simply throw in their lot and walk away. They make sure they’ve been heard, and that’ll often require speaking to more than one professional no matter what you’re navigating with your child. This is especially relevant with health concerns, when speaking with more than one doctor or specialist is key for both getting your points heard and making sure you’re fully informed about your options. 

Equally, if you’re called into school, or you arrange a school meeting, it’s always worth speaking with both your child’s class teacher and the headteacher. This way, you can eliminate bias or the risk of someone simply discarding whatever important message you’re trying to get across. 

# 3 - Keep Pushing

Sometimes, even the best advocates will find their points being overlooked, and in this instance, it’s vital to keep pushing. For instance, if you’re worried your child may need some sort of diagnosis for neurodiversity or disability, you shouldn’t stop asking until your request is successful. Equally, if your child wishes to attend a certain school, it’s important to pursue every possible route of application, even after a few knockbacks. This persistence is the best thing you’ve got as a mom, and it’s really the only way to ensure the best life for your child at all times. 

Moms aren’t just superheroes; we’re advocates, and we can only win the endless fights by keeping these key tips in mind.