DISCUSSION:
Begin by asking the group’s general impression of what they read. How did the story affect them? What stood out for them the most? From their responses, you can lead the discussion where parents are interested in taking it.
Here are some questions you might pose to your group:
• Because Debbie’s son Eric was having trouble doing his homework and chores, everyone was affected. How did Eric’s troubles impact his family? How have you seen in your own families that a problem facing one person can affect everyone?
• Toward the beginning, Debbie felt that everyone—her husband, younger son, and son’s teachers—was working against her as she tried to help Eric succeed in school. How did it affect Debbie and her family that she felt alone with this problem?
• Debbie found support by going to family therapy. When have you felt alone with a difficult situation and where did you find the support you needed?
• Debbie was persistent in looking for help for Eric and her family. What steps did she take to get help? What setbacks did she encounter? What steps have you taken to advocate for your own family? How have you handled setbacks or frustrations?
• Debbie writes that Eric felt “confused and a little sad” when he was diagnosed with a learning disability. What difficult experiences has Eric had to go through as a result of his disability? What kind of support do you imagine a child like Eric might need from his family to handle those situations?
• Debbie says, “I’m not feeling as stressed, frustrated and angry now that I better understand Eric’s behavior. I’m a happier mother.” When was a time in your life that you felt you couldn’t understand your child’s behavior? How did it affect you? What helped you and your child handle that situation?
Finally, the group can discuss what they learned from the story and what parts they related to the most. What steps or insights that Debbie describes surprise them or might help them through a similar situation?