Our Support at School with Meetings 

Before Parent to Parent came into our lives, school meetings filled me with dread. I’d sit there with a notebook full of things I wanted to say about my child, Amina, but as soon as the meeting started, I felt myself shrinking. Professionals spoke in acronyms. Decisions seemed to be made quickly. I nodded along, even when I didn’t fully agree, because I didn’t know how to challenge things without sounding difficult or emotional.

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I left those meetings feeling unheard—and worse, worried that Amina’s needs weren’t really understood.

 

When I was introduced to Parent to Parent, it felt like someone finally slowed the world down for me.

Before our next school meeting, they helped me prepare properly. Not just with paperwork, but emotionally too. We talked through what I wanted to say, what my priorities were, and what my child needed most right now—not in theory, but in real life. They helped me understand my rights and reminded me that I was allowed to ask questions and expect answers.

 

On the day of the meeting, having Parent to Parent there—even just sitting beside me—made such a difference. I wasn’t alone. I felt steadier. When I struggled to find the words, I was gently supported to come back to my points. I wasn’t speaking against anyone; I was speaking for my child.

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Afterwards, we took time to debrief. That part mattered more than I expected. I could talk through how the meeting felt, what went well, and what still didn’t sit right. Instead of going home replaying everything in my head, I left feeling clearer and calmer.

The change since then has been huge.

 

Communication with the school has improved. I feel more respected in conversations. Most importantly, I now walk into meetings believing that my voice matters—and that I know my child better than anyone else ever could.

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Parent to Parent didn’t speak for me. They helped me find my own voice. And once I found it, I realised I had it in me all along.

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