An advocate is a person who speaks up for, acts on behalf of, or supports someone else. As a parent, you are the best person to advocate for your child because you know his strengths and needs, likes and dislikes. Unconditional love is a powerful motivator and it's been proven time and again that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. As a parent advocate you will find others, such as teachers and physicians, who can support you in advocating for your child. For example, a family doctor could write a letter to the school board describing the magnitude of the child's anxiety concerning his language immersion program to speed up his placement in a program where he will be taught in his first language.
Parents make such good advocates because of their close, personal involvement with their children.
Be aware that not all the professionals you consult will appreciate this closeness. Some professionals may take the view that you are too emotionally involved to be objective, implying that it is impossible for you make rational decisions where your child is concerned. However, it may be your very connectedness that helps you understand that your child is different from his peers and that spurs you to take action to get him help. As his trusted confidante, you know what really worries him and how complex his problems really are. You are the person who has drilled him on the multiplication tables night after night.