You can advocate fiercely and stay collaborative. Strong advocacy doesn’t require hostility. And collaboration doesn’t mean giving up your child’s rights. In IEPs, relationships matter especially when you’re asking for change. That can look like: • Keeping communication respectful, even when you disagree • Showing goodwill where you can (volunteering, small classroom support, check-ins) • Asking what the teacher needs and clearly stating what your child needs • Disagreeing calmly and staying foc