Information doesn’t always inform
When I talk to parents about their feelings while their child is struggling, they use a range of words. At their lowest parents describe feeling despondent. And while they remain isolated they often feel bewildered and frustrated.
Once they have some support in their lives, they begin to feel informed. This is the first step to becoming an advocate and once again, finding their child’s smile.
The way in which we become informed is varied. Some seek professional advice, some attend workshops and seminars. Many read voraciously to find out everything they can about their child’s difficulties and how they can help them. There are numerous self-help groups on Facebook, podcasts to access, we are not short of information.
Sometimes, however, the information we access does not leave us properly informed. Whether that is because we are overloaded with information and unable to understand what is true and what is not, or whether we have become used to asking for help and receiving ‘opinions’ dressed up as advice, I’m not sure. Even when talking to professionals we don’t always get information that is accurate and robust.
It is fascinating to me that whilst the use of the world information has increased massively since the 1800s...
...the use of the word informed has declined.
We have more information and yet we are less well informed.
We were given information when our son first started struggling at school. We were told that he would not get any extra support on top of what was currently on offer because he was making ‘too much progress.’ This was poor information and left us un-informed.
Through our own research, cross-checking with other sources, we gradually worked out what information was correct and became informed, and whilst becoming informed created an element of further frustration, we needed to go through that phase to reach the next level – validated.
We live in a world of ‘fake news’ and as parents we need to be aware when we seek help, to clarify whether we are being given opinion or fact.
