The Oasis Space

[EM]Bracing for Impact: Changing the Narrative for Our Unique Children w/Amanda Gittens

• Patrice Grimes • Season 2 • Episode 2

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One of the most important relationships that we'll have and cultivate is the relationship with our children.  We realize that parenting can be challenging in itself, but what happens when you're informed of your child's unique learning ability that inevitably rocks your world?  How can we as loved ones and educators actually change the narrative and create impact by EMBRACING their differences instead of simply bracing ourselves for what can feel like an inconvenience or an unwelcomed challenge in our world?

In this episode, we're joined in The Oasis Space with Amanda Gittens, where she shares with us the importance of collaboration + comprehension between the parent, student, and educator and how it's necessary to evolve over time so that we don't take it personal, but recognize the optimal goal is to help the child build transferrable skills into adulthood.

Key Takeaway/Quotes:

"It isn't until a piece of that village is actually removed, that you realize how much of an impact these teachers are making and how you're able to better show up authentically yourself at work." - Patrice

"A lot of times things have to fall apart in order for them to come together." - Patrice

"You have to remember we're here for the kids and whatever fits best for them.  it's not about me, it's more about them being able to access the education  that i'm providing." - Amanda

"I had to remember that God didn't put you at this table just for you, your seat was made for you."  - Amanda

"I think we just have to figure out ways that we can help them so they can be successful in life.  It's not just about 7th grade... It's about teaching these kids & working with the parents, & having them realize that these skills are transferrable to adults." - Amanda

"You tell yourself all these things that ultimately just make you feel worse about yourself as a parent, but ultimately does not serve the child, and ultimately, I think it removes the ability for you to see that the child is still capable and well equipped to conquer all the goals that they need to accomplish." - Patrice

"I think that we need to update the narrative...if you haven't heard it's 2021, and special education has evolved and the keyword is inclusion." - Amanda

"Everyone has their own journey and timing.  But we're all going to get there.  It doesn't make someone else superior because they got there first." - Patrice

"It doesn't matter when we get to it, as long as we learn the lesson.  But applying ourselves, being willing to learn, and put in the work helps us to get there quicker than maybe we even anticipated." - Patrice

The Oasis Space Rapid Value Questions

What is the one thing you like to do to sustain or reset your peace?

- Walking

Name one book or song that's helped you to define peace.

- Thank You by Marvin Sapp

How do you define peace for yourself now?

- As an adult, i think peace is where I strive to continue to be.  It's not somewhere I visit, i want to reside there so it's taking the road to get there and stay there.

Fill in the blank:

- My name is Amanda, and without peace I would be extremely lost and with peace, I feel whole.

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LINKS:

Engage with Patrice:

www.sociatap.com/ThePeaceCurator

Instagram: ThePeaceCurator

Email: theoasisspace@patricegrimes.com

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theoasisspace

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