The 12 Commandments for Parents of Children with Behavioral Disorders

1. Thou art thy child’s best and most consistent advocate.
2. Thou hast valuable information about your child. Professionals need your input.
3. Thou shalt put it in writing and keep a copy.
4. Thou shalt not hesitate to contact a higher authority if you can’t get the help you need.
5. Thou shalt keep records.
6. Thou shalt seek out information on your child’s condition.
7. Thou shalt have permission to be less than perfect.
8. Thou shalt not become a martyr, thus, thou shalt take a break now and then.
9. Thou shalt maintain a sense of humor.
10. Thou shalt always remember to tell people when they are doing a good job.
11. Thou shalt encourage thy child to make decisions, because one day, he or she will need to do so on their own.
12. Thou shalt love thy child, even when they don’t seem lovable.

- – - – - – - This is a revised version of “The 12 Commandments…” published by the Pacer Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) for children with physical and medical disabilities. www.pacer.org.