Hearts vs. Spades - What a Real Parent Is

In the card game of Hearts, one gets to manipulate their environment by giving away three cards. As one gains experience, the choice of what cards to give away will be based on a reasoned chance of what one will receive in the exchange. Then you are on your own.

In the card game of Spades, you get what you are dealt. But you have a partner that you must cooperate with to maximize your chance of success. Sometimes a disabled hand actually turns into a chance to gain more points by going nil.

Parents of disabled children face challenges that are far and above what normal children bring. Most normal children eventually become independent, despite what the parent or the school system does. Disabled children usually never do. The parent's awareness of this starts at day one, not at graduation. The parent's awareness of this starts at day one, not until an evaluation is finally done. The parent's awareness of this starts at day one, not waiting for grades to fail before supports and related services may be considered in an IEP meeting next year.


If you want to get an insight into how a mother and a son have made the best of the hand that was dealt them, PLEASE make sure you tune in to Showtime on Sunday evening, May 4th 10pm ET to hear the story of Karen Clay and her son Michael Phillips. If you don't have Showtime, get it or wait and download the video on ITunes

After you watch it, ask yourself if you have what it takes to be a real parent and educator.