Summer is many different things for each of us. Sometimes there is stress over finding engaging activities and appropriate summer programs for our kids. Sometimes there is a period of relaxation where we might be able to let go of some of those strict routines that keep us in balance and find a new, more fluid balance. In our house, there is definitely a combination of both!
And then, just like that . . . summer is over and school is back in swing!
Ahhh . . . school.
Will there be bullies? New ones, or just the old ones? Will we make new friends? Will we lose old friends as kids get "cooler" and new cliques form with ever changing and developing ideas and interests? Basic parent concerns as we watch our kids grow and expand their minds.
Then, there is the question of how we balance ourselves as parents, guardians, and advocates. Will the new teacher understand my kid's needs, respect his quirks? Will they be flexible with some of those classroom rules that they rightfully set up for order, but that might be very difficult for our child to comport with consistently? And when do we step in?
We have a newly minted 5th grader. Rules and expectations change and he needs to learn to go with that flow - even though his "flow" may include a lot of rapids and rocky turns! Every momma cell in my body wants to barge in there and tell the new teacher all about him - how he operates best - the list of everything that I think he needs to succeed - pre-stock his 5th-grade canoe with everything I can think of that will make his journey more smooth. But the momma in me that wants him to live an independent life has to stand on the shore and watch.
It doesn't mean I won't be running along that shore, tossing in a power bar now and again and shouting "hard left!" It also doesn't mean that I won't be ready to jump in the water and pull him out when I need to, but I've got to give him that chance, first. It definitely looks different from when he was in kindergarten, first grade, etc. And I can't imagine the juggling that those of you are doing with middle and high school students and a teacher for every subject and every line of thought.
Often the difficult balancing we do will go unrecognized by others, but we all have a shared experience. If you ever need a reminder, re-read the excellent Forum post by jojomann on Calls from School.
Good luck in the new school year and remember to use your support systems, or create new ones. You can't keep throwing those power bars if no one is there to re-stock your supply.
Great question and I invite anyone to chime in. The short answer is "yes" - the real answer is not that easy. IF teachers have had the time to read IEPs for their students, then they will know of any diagnoses. That isn't a criticism of teachers - it is a criticism of a system that puts way too much on them at the last minute. But diagnoses are only that - everyone is affected differently. And then there are a myriad of other issues - are teachers well trained in neurodiversity? (Or do they think ADD medication cures Autism?) Are there enough aides, if necessary, to mitigate classroom disruptions and therefore allow teachers to be more flexible and st…
What a great metaphor-the canoe. And with an accompanying photo no less! Here’s my question - Do teachers know before the new school year begins if a student is on the spectrum? If so, shouldn’t the teacher and/or support staff connect with the parents to learn about their child rather than their being an issue and then meeting with the parents? Thank you as always for the learnings.