The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time for parents and children alike. However, for parents of children who are uniquely challenged, the process of going back to school can be very difficult due to children having anxiety and fears of the unknown.
In this article, the disability & special education advocates at Nakata Consulting will examine a few basic strategies which families can use to get through this stressful time – and ensure that their uniquely challenged children can cope more easily with the process of beginning a new school year.
Attend School Events and Open Houses
It’s best to get a good working knowledge of the school your child will be attending before classes start. Most public and private schools will host open houses and “meet-the-teachers” events prior to school starting.
This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the teachers and school administrators who will be helping your uniquely challenged child. It’s best to start the discussion about your child’s needs with these school staff members, and talk about your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and unique needs.
By doing this, school staff will understand how to approach your child when school starts. The more your child’s teachers know about their disability, the better they can engage your child in learning and growing.
Talk Things Through with Your Child
The unknown is always scary – for adults, children, and uniquely challenged students alike. Don’t let the fear of the unknown scare your child. Simply talk to your child. Talk about the all of the awesome things they’ll get to do in school this year! Field trips! Outdoors activities! New classes with great teachers!
Helping your child to understand what’s going to happen during the new school year is a very useful way to relieve anxiety. You may not be able to completely overcome fear, but knowing what to expect is always helpful – especially for uniquely challenged kids and teens.
Practice Your New Routine
After a long summer, or after a school switch, your morning and evening routines may be heavily disrupted once school starts.
This can pose significant problems for parents with uniquely challenged children. All children appreciate routine, and many developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder can reinforce this need for a steady, reliable routine.
Rather than waiting for the new school year to begin, start the process of adopting a new routine early. Wake your child up at the time they would get up for school, get them dressed, take care of breakfast, and get out and do some activities!
Implementing these routines early on can help your child to adjust before classes start. This can seriously help reduce stress and anxiety for your child.
Nakata Consulting – Your #1 Resource for Disability & Special Education Advocacy
Your child is wonderful, special, and truly one-of-a-kind. That’s just a fact – no uniquely challenged child is alike!
However, this can make your duties as a parent more difficult. You don’t have to go it alone. At Nakata Consulting, we offer resources and expert advice to help you understand your uniquely challenged child, and set them on a path to success.
If you have questions about your child, or are having difficulties preparing for school, contact Nakata Consulting today. We’d be glad to help you through this process, and empower you with the tools you and your child need to succeed.
