When the Honeymoon is Over

It happens every year, that small section of time we call the "Honeymoon Phase" right when the new year starts. Our kids are behaving, they are eager to start a new year with all of their new backpacks, school supplies, folders and pencils. Yet for some students, those days quickly end when new challenges arise. Challenges such as new schedules and different peers can happen too suddenly. Students with neurodiversity can struggle to acclimate to these new environments, new peers and new teachers.

How we help them from the very start can be critical to their success during the year. When designing an IEP for your child, you have to consider not just the academic subject specific goals, but also those involving organization, executive functioning, self-advocacy and any other child-specific behavior. Creating clear communication systems, teaching your child techniques and strategies for staying organized, how schools introduce new concepts, new work loads and create schedules and routines are important to you child's success.

With a carefully designed IEP to meet your child's unique needs, you can remove some of the stress and tension of everyday life after the honeymoon phase is over. Some parents don't want the school or teachers to think they are over-involved, ask too much or bother them, but most teachers are actually excited when they have an engaged parents. They appreciate when a parent is willing to work collaboratively with them to set up quality routines, schedules and communication. Consistency is key when providing structures for students to excel.

Do you need help to organize your thoughts, suggestions, or ideas with your child's school? Do you need someone to discuss options for your child's services? Please reach out to me for a free 30-minute consultation at 252-286-1669.