Becoming A "Professional Parent"

Many of you may not be aware of the realities of raising a child with Fragile X Syndrome or any type of special need. Sometimes parents just can't do it or are not willing to. However, no parent does it alone-it takes specialists, therapists, family, friends, etc. No parent raises ANY child alone, really.

There is something called a "Professional Parent." They are paid to take care of other people's children. Typically this type of situation only happens in more extreme cases. It is similar to foster care but these parents are specially trained, etc.

So why am I telling you this? No, we will not be doing professional parenting. Wanna know why? Because I'm becoming the Professional Parent of Isaac! Yup. Me. Let me explain.

I never want to give my child up.
Ever.

But sometimes I do get fearful.
                                             ...Until faith kicks in.
You see, I started school again.
I know. Cool, huh?

It's been over four years and I am going to BYU. Yeah, the place I never thought I would go, never wanted to go, some things still irritate me,.....but that's where I am. This is where I am supposed to be. How do I know?

After four years of trying, a handful of school searching, looking at different minors, etc. etc. this actually worked out. It was still hard. I still had obstacles that made me think, "I'm doing this!  I don't care if I sent you the wrong paper, if I had to call because you made a mistake, if ...." and then I calm down and thank Heavenly Father that it worked out, realizing the only way I could really know that it was right at this crazy time of my life was through the trial and error.

My new desk/book case I'm in love with. Thanks Mom!

So why do I say Professional Parent (somewhat sarcastically)? Because I am studying Family Life with an emphasis in Human Development and (hopefully) a minor in Communication Disorders.

Some may think...seriously? The Mom Major? The easy major? The pointless waster? Think what you will. This knowledge is power.

Where is the world failing most? Family life. What proclamation came out in 1995 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Why is society hanging by a thread and so much confusion? Disturbance of the true family life! I will defend my major, but mostly
                                                                                                        I will defend family.

From now on I want to be a sharper tool in God's hand to promote the wellness, sanctity, and power of families. I want to be a light and pillar for my community, my family, and the Church.

We all need to know how to defend families. We all need to know the facts.
As my Professor says, "You have to speak their language." When you go to a foreign country, you learn their language or else they will not understand you (with the exception of the gift of tongues, of course:)
When a non-member, atheist, researcher, journalist, etc. asks you why we do not support gay marriage, etc. do you know how to respond and why? Do you know how to speak their language so that they will understand and be more accepting?

Off the soap box.

Visiting Uncle Joel at work. Go John Deere!

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Working With Isaac

 Needless to say, no one can do what I can do for Isaac. No one will do what I will do for Isaac. I am his professional parent. I am his mother.

Teaching and having fun: cleaning time!

No one can show Amelia that she is a daughter of God like I can. No one can show her that she is wonderful just the way she is like I can. I am her professional parent. I am her mother.

The best daddy and hubby with his son

I am Heavenly Father's daughter. And together (with my amazing hubby!) we can do this parenting thing!