Back to school days are almost upon us as August fades into September. Guest blogger Kimberly Drew loved going back to school when she was a kid. But now that she’s mom to a child with special needs, she’s learned how to help her daughter, Abbey, transition back to school. Maybe her ideas will make life easier at your house, too.

Back to School, Coffee, and a Little Nostalgia

I don’t know about you, by my calendar beings in September with the beginning of a new school year. There’s this scene in the movie You’ve Got Mail where they talk about a bouquet of perfectly sharpened pencils. I love that scene because I adore new school supplies! There’s a chance it’s completely psychological, but I think a backpack full of them has a very particular smell to it. I absolutely love it and it takes me back to an easier time of life.

Back to School for Me

My mom always took first day of school photos on the front step, and then we were off. My biggest fear back then was whether or not my little sister and I could run across the field fast enough to catch the bus—proof that we have been chronically, almost-running-late since we were kids! If I close my eyes, I can see my sister’s waist-long braids flapping around, and it makes me laugh.

Back to School for My Daughter

The first couple of months of school for children with disabilities might not come with as much enthusiasm and excitement as it did for me as a child. There are new classrooms, new classmates, different seating arrangements, and classroom décor. The work and routine are dependent on the teaching style of your classroom teacher and the grade level your child is in. The hype is quickly overshadowed by all the specific challenges that our kids have to deal with.

Back to School Routine

Still, there are always ways to take the edge off. I know I’ve said it before, and I will probably mention it a hundred more times. There is nothing more soothing for your child than to wake up to, come home to, and go to bed to than ROUTINE, ROUTINE, ROUTINE. Their brains are working so hard to process sensory information all day long, control impulses, and maintain attention spans. The established routine gives their brain a break from it all. The predictability of routine gives them a sense of security and peace of mind.

Back to School Breaks for Kids

With all of that said, be assured that I’m not suggesting you color block every fifteen minutes of your child’s day, because they WILL become addicted to whatever routine you establish. You need to have blocks of time where there is nothing that’s expected so that you have the freedom to run to the store unexpectedly, take a phone call, or just plain live a semi-normal life. But I am saying that your child will greatly benefit from established routines. All of our kids do, even if they don’t have a disability.

Back to School Breaks for Parents

At almost 34 years of age, I find my new favorite first day of school tradition is being the one taking the pictures on the front step. When the bus pulls away I make a cup of coffee that I actually get to drink hot instead of re-warmed in the microwave. I sit back and think about my old bus stop, my little sister, and pray for all of my kids to have as great a childhood school experience as I did.

Your Back to School Experience?

How do you respond to sending the kids back to school? How do your kids respond? What do you do to make the transition easier for all of you? Leave a comment in the box below.

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Photo credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net