Elizabeth Kubler-Ross identified feelings of grief (denial, anxiety, fear, guilt, depression, and anger) as part of the pathway to acceptance to any loss. However, these feelings often sit unacknowledged in IEP meetings, even though they are a necessary and healthy (yes healthy!) part of the grief process that parents must go through.

Dr. Ken Moses explained, “Each feeling state, no matter how negative, serves a specific and helpful function. To separate from a lost dream, one must experience and share denial, anxiety. fear, guilt, depression, and anger in whatever order or manner the feelings surface.”

It can be difficult when these emotions surface for parents.

It can be difficult when these emotions surface for special educators.

But there is nothing wrong with these feelings.

They are necessary.

They are healthy.

These feelings are born of love.