I like the idea of these letters very much. I'm sure that you have much to share that would be of value to parents in similar situations, and of interest to readers in general. It's also excellent that you've already written half of the letters. The shape of the book is emerging.
But I definitely see that the reservations you express are quite serious, and that the circumstances can even be hurtful. One possible way to address this situation would be to make these topics themselves the subjects of letters.
For instance, when you mention the fraught issue of word choice and advocacy, you might have a letter there (perhaps early in the book?) where you explain, as you say, "I’m not focused on this part of the advocacy but I understand others are and that it is important. It’s not my mission." Also, it could be part of your testimony (and likely the case of many parents in your shows that you are "not equipped emotionally to deal with this part. I don’t have the emotional buffer to confront this type of intense critique about my own family right now - or probably ever." This is honest, and worth reading. You are writing as a parent and not as a neuroscientist or political lobbyist or whatever.
Of course, this suggestion is easy for me to say. But I do believe this idea of a book of letters is a good one.
Thank you, Charles! I really like your idea of incorporating my concerns into the letters. I’m going to try this. Other parents must also have experienced this type of feeling about their special needs / exceptional kids. I think the foundation of the letters is that they are honest - the most honest thing I’ve written so far. That’s a terrifying prospect, but also liberating. I’m feeling good about this project. 🌿
I like the idea of these letters very much. I'm sure that you have much to share that would be of value to parents in similar situations, and of interest to readers in general. It's also excellent that you've already written half of the letters. The shape of the book is emerging.
But I definitely see that the reservations you express are quite serious, and that the circumstances can even be hurtful. One possible way to address this situation would be to make these topics themselves the subjects of letters.
For instance, when you mention the fraught issue of word choice and advocacy, you might have a letter there (perhaps early in the book?) where you explain, as you say, "I’m not focused on this part of the advocacy but I understand others are and that it is important. It’s not my mission." Also, it could be part of your testimony (and likely the case of many parents in your shows that you are "not equipped emotionally to deal with this part. I don’t have the emotional buffer to confront this type of intense critique about my own family right now - or probably ever." This is honest, and worth reading. You are writing as a parent and not as a neuroscientist or political lobbyist or whatever.
Of course, this suggestion is easy for me to say. But I do believe this idea of a book of letters is a good one.
Thank you, Charles! I really like your idea of incorporating my concerns into the letters. I’m going to try this. Other parents must also have experienced this type of feeling about their special needs / exceptional kids. I think the foundation of the letters is that they are honest - the most honest thing I’ve written so far. That’s a terrifying prospect, but also liberating. I’m feeling good about this project. 🌿