I have watched more Olympic coverage this year than usual.  My family is finally interested, so I joined in the Olympic sport of TV watching this year.  I am struck by the Proctor and Gamble  "Thanks, Mom" ad campaign (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57e4t-fhXDs&noredirect=1).  The ad shows future Olympians learning and growing through the years.  The moms bandage knees, drive carpool, wash clothes and generally act as that child's biggest fan.

The ads feel like a little pat on the back (as a Mom).  I didn't produce any Olympians, but we muddle through.  Those ads have a bigger impact on me, though, because I can see the parents of the special needs kids in my practice in those Proctor and Gamble moms.  Just like those Moms weren't expecting to raise Olympic athletes, most parents are not  expecting their beloved child to also have special needs.

Parents of children with communication and learning challenges sacrifice time, money and sleep every day to support their child.  They are educator, advocate, friend, role models, chef, doctor  and, yes, cheerleader for that child.  Often the correct decisions are unclear and there are road blocks at every turn.  Supporting a child with special needs is expensive and exhausting.  Parents of children with special needs are juggling time with the rest of the family, time at work and giving up on sleep to get it all done.

The "Thanks, Mom" ad campaign reminds me why I do what I do in my career and my life. I offer my help to children with special needs, and their families, to celebrate what they accomplish each day.  No one is making a commercial from their daily routine, but it definitely takes the stamina of a dedicated athlete to do what these parents do.  I notice. And I hope to lend a hand.

If you need help working through a communication challenge with your child, I'd like to help you.  www.circlespeechservices.com