by Dr. David Palmer
Don't get me wrong...I love summer break as a parent and teacher.
Extra time to spend with the family
The ability to start preparing lessons for the upcoming year
Anticipating working with my students and watching them grow
Getting to sleep in a little bit later
Trips to cooler places
But I also know that going back to school can bring stress to us and our kids!
How can I ensure that my child's IEP or 504 Plan is up-to-date and effectively implemented at the start of the school year?
What steps can I take to help my child feel more comfortable and less anxious about going back to school?
How can I involve my child in preparing for school to make the transition smoother and more exciting for them?
What stress-relief techniques should I teach my child to help them manage anxiety and stress at school?
How can I ensure that my child's medical needs are met at school, and what should I communicate to the school staff regarding medications?
Do any of these resonate with you?
I know these still resonate with my wife and me as our teens prepare for this school year (in fact, based on past experience, we already have our appointments scheduled with teachers and counselors).
So, what can you do today to begin making this transition from summer to school smoother and less stressful for you and your child?
Consider these few points:
Review and update your child's IEP/504 Plan with your school
Create a visual schedule to support the whole family
Visit the school and meet staff (maybe even before school starts)
Purchase and organize school supplies (let your kids take the lead)
Pack a sensory toolkit (what is necessary for school success)
Choose sensory-friendly clothing (think tags, socks, etc.)
Schedule medical appointments (make sure things are up to date)
Establish a consistent sleep routine (no phones before bed)
Plan healthy meals and snacks (make it a family activity)
Develop an emergency plan with the school (so everyone is prepared)
Teach and practice stress-relief techniques (like breathing, using tools, mindfulness, gratitude, etc)
Consistently Praise Effort and Growth (to foster resilience and a growth mindset)
I know it may seem a lot to think about, so it's important to choose a few to work on that apply most to your family and your situation.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to any of these. The more you understand your child's strengths, needs, fears, and concerns, and the more compassionately you advocate for your child at home and school through connection and communication, the clearer the "hows" will become in time.
Looking for some ways to support your child's hearing sensitivity?
My family bought these Loop earplugs, and they work great! They fit well, are effective in noise canceling, and are hard to detect when wearing.
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To help you, I've created a FREE "checklist" which is more of a guide to help you work through these points and more. Based on my experience and expertise as a teacher and parent, I focused on some of the points that my family has worked through, as well as things that would help me as a teacher support my students better.
I haven't "officially" published it yet, but I want to make it available to those who read this blog.
I would greatly appreciate any and all ideas you may have for improving and making it more relevant.
Remember, I am here for you and your family to empower, encourage, equip, and educate as much as possible. Feel free to reach out if you need any assistance and support, especially as we get ready for school to begin in the next few weeks.
Please add your comment with your insights and ideas or email me at david@theimatter.co
Have a safe and restful few weeks of summer break!
David
PS. Schedule your No-Risk Discovery Call with Me today!
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