"Often, we forget what an awsome responsibility and privilege it is to raise a child. Early Adverse Childhood Experiences can retard some children's development. In "Time for Natasha," a foster mother/grandmother tells us an important and moving story. There is a comment from a retired fifth grade teacher as well.
"My granddaughter, Natalia, came to live with me at the age of four. I never knew how serious a learning disability could be until then. Her mother had been ill since before her birth. Her father had been abusive, compelling her to sit and watch television all day. She wasn't allowed the luxury of play nor did she watch anything age- appropriate. There was no communication with her mother who was so medicated that she was in deep slumber most of the day. Communication with her father consisted of constant disapproval and scolding. I spoke Spanish to her or I'd have noticed her English was distorted beyond recognition.
It broke my heart when I realized that she had no communication skills in English, couldn't write her name, didn't recognize a single letter or sound..." Download Time for Natalia
Comment from Bonnie Millette, a retired fifth grade teacher, who loved her work and misses the classroom even as she spends her time traveling and experincing the U.S.A.:
"This grandmother is fantastic!! She is shaping another life in a positive way. She has taken on another child and shown her that even if she has a learning disability she can learn. Yes, she may take longer than many children at each grade level and not feel she fits in. As she gets older though she will understand how great it was to have a grandmother and teachers helping her but, as a child she may be more concerned with fitting in and friendships." for more Download Millette