Hi Mamas… we have now prepared for going back to school the best we can and the first day is fast approaching! Our routines are in place, backpacks are packed, and we are ready.

School has begun…now what?? Here are a few tips to help ease the stress of transitioning that can be especially difficult for our special needs kiddos.

#1 Preparation

Please do all you can to prepare for this first day. We have discussed some ideas in my previous blog posts, so if you missed those definitely go check them out. Have discussions, read stories, lay out clothes, plan breakfast and set up your first day to be organized the best you can.

#2 Visual Supports

Some kids need a visual. A binder that has pictures from home, a schedule of      your child’s school day, a picture of the school they will attend, the      classroom, the lunchroom etc. Looking at these pictures organized in a simple binder or folder can go to great lengths to help with this back-to-school adjustment.

#3 Daily Communication

Have a communication system that works with your child’s teacher. Often this is a notebook where the teacher and the parent can communicate important      things to better understand the daily life challenges of your child and your family. Open communication in the beginning will help prevent future problems.

#4 Stay Positive

Focus on what is going well! Too many times we as adults only focus on what our kids are struggling with but forget to focus on what they are doing well or      improving upon. Stay positive and remind your child, their teacher and      yourself about what is going well. A way you can keep this positive mindset is to write something down that you are grateful for and went well each day.

#5 Problem Solving

If there is a problem or a challenge, seek to solve it. With careful thought      and insight into the needs of your child all problems have a solution!      Solutions aren’t always a quick fix or perfect, however working on a      solution instead of focusing on a problem is a much better use of our time and energy.

#6 Last but not least, relax!

Transitions can be emotionally and physically draining, but they are a part of life. Expecting some challenges to occur will help you be better prepared to handle them. It often takes a few weeks for a back-to-school routine to be established but once it is, things will get back to a normal pace. Believe in yourself, you got this!

If you have more questions about transitions, back-to-school, or anything else please reach out! We are here to support you and your family with anything you need.

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