You Are Your Child’s Best Advocate — Here’s Why

Mary Patton
Jul 10
2 min read

Updated: Jul 14

You Are Your Child’s Best Advocate — Here’s Why

As a parent or caregiver, you may sometimes wonder if you’re doing enough — or doing it right. Maybe you’ve sat in an IEP meeting and felt overwhelmed by the jargon, unsure how to speak up, or afraid of asking the “wrong” question.

Let me tell you something important:

You are already your child’s most powerful advocate.

And that matters more than anything.

Your Voice Carries the Heart of Your Child’s Story

Educators, therapists, and specialists bring important expertise to the table — but you bring the full picture. You know your child’s fears, their strengths, the little victories that go unnoticed in test scores.

You don’t need to be a lawyer or a teacher to advocate.

You just need to care deeply — and take steps to be informed.

Advocacy Doesn’t Mean Conflict — It Means Clarity

Advocating doesn’t mean being combative or demanding.

It means speaking clearly, asking thoughtful questions, and keeping your child’s needs front and center.

When you understand your rights under IDEA, Section 504, and disability laws — you don’t have to guess.

You walk into meetings with confidence, not confusion.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

At M. Patton Special Education Advocacy and Consulting, I work with parents just like you — parents who love their children fiercely and want to do right by them, even when the system feels overwhelming.

Together, we build:

✅ Confidence in your knowledge
✅ Clarity on your goals
✅ A plan to support your child’s future

You’re not “just a parent.”

You are the center of your child’s team — and the strongest voice they have.

Let’s Walk This Path Together

If you’re ready to take that next step — whether it’s understanding your child’s IEP, knowing your rights, or just having someone walk beside you — I’m here.