Have you ever left a school meeting feeling like no one truly sees your child?

Maybe the conversation focused on everything they're doing wrong. Maybe you walked away with more questions than answers.

In this episode of Think Like a Kid, I sit down with school psychologist and special education advocate Mariah Choate to discuss how parents can advocate for their children confidently, effectively, and collaboratively without turning every school meeting into a battle.

We also tackle one of the biggest misconceptions adults make when supporting children:

What if the behavior isn't the problem?
What if the real issue is a missing skill or an unmet need?

In This Episode We Discuss:

• How to shift school conversations from deficits to strengths
• What to do when every meeting seems focused on what's wrong
• Why children often need support not punishment
• How reading struggles, executive functioning challenges, and emotional regulation difficulties can be mistaken for defiance
• What school psychologists wish parents knew about the special education process
• How to tell the difference between "can't" and "won't"

Key Takeaways

1. Behavior is Communication

Instead of asking:

"Why won't they do it?"

Try asking: "What's making this hard?"

2. Ask for the Data

If you're receiving repeated calls or concerns from school, ask:

• What interventions have been tried?
• Which interventions helped?
• How is progress being tracked?

3. Special Education is a Service, Not a Place

One of the biggest myths parents believe is that an IEP automatically means a separate classroom.

It doesn't.

4. Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions

You don't need to understand every educational acronym or legal term.

5. Lead With Strengths

Mariah's advice was simple but powerful:

Before anyone else can see the good in your child, you have to see it first.

Free Resource: Prior Written Notice Template

If you've requested support from your school and aren't sure what to do next, Mariah shares a free Prior Written Notice template that parents can use when requesting evaluations and services.

This resource helps you document concerns and understand your rights throughout the process.

click here

Want More Support?

Mariah has created a comprehensive Special Education Advocacy System that walks parents through:

• Evaluations
• 504 Plans
• IEPs
• Scripts for difficult conversations
• Special education law
• Documentation systems
• Advocacy tools

If you've ever felt overwhelmed navigating the school system, this resource was created specifically for you.

https://stan.store/Wholisticallypsyched/p/the-special-education-support-system-

Mariah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholistically_psyched/