It feels like the summer flew by so quickly and it is hard to believe that we are back in school mode! As we try to hold onto the good times that we had on vacation or at the local pool or in just hanging out with family and friends, we know that we need to place our attention and efforts on a different schedule with a different routine. This transition can create a wide variety of emotions for both parents and children. Anxiety, frustration, excitement and/or happiness are just a few of the feelings that may be experienced at this time of the year. For the child who has a disability, these emotions can be more intense which unfortunately can impact everyone in the family. How can you and your family get through this transition without experiencing too much stress?

First of all, breathe and know that you will get through this transition. While taking those deep breaths, accept the fact that this is a transition, and it will be a bit rocky for a period of time. By accepting it, the stress may not feel as powerful and threatening.

In the days (or weeks) leading up to the first day of school, readjust bedtime routines that are similar to what occurs during the school year. Going to sleep earlier with a consistent bedtime routine can help your child transition to this change. If possible, give your child some control as to what book he could have read to him or he could read to himself before bedtime, or which pajamas he could wear or what snack he could have at night. Giving your child some control allows him to feel in charge rather than always being told what to do.  Letting him decide what will be packed in his lunchbox or what he can wear may also provide that “being in charge” feeling. 

Visiting the school and if possible, playing on the playground or having a picnic lunch or snack on the grounds of the school will also help with this transition. While visiting the school, you can talk about what a school day looks like and offer as much detail as possible in order for the child to understand that she/he will be going to this building soon on a more regular basis.

Introducing a way for your child to count how many days until school begins might help as well with this transition. You can use a calendar and have your child cross out each day and then count how many days are left before the first day. You can also have a certain number of a specific object and each day have your child take one away and put it in a designated place, again showing how many days are left before the start of school.

Since your child is beginning a new school year, don’t assume that last year’s teacher shared pertinent information with the new teacher about your child. Writing a one-page summary or preparing some kind of a document about your child—what works and what doesn’t work as far as behavior management as well as fears, likes, etc. can be helpful as the teacher is just beginning to know your child. Throughout the year, remember to provide any helpful information to the teacher as you know your child best. Communicating with your child’s teacher should be ongoing. Find out the best way to do this with the teacher without adding stress to the teacher’s life as well as to yours. 

Lastly, remember as you are caring and worrying about your child, (and other members of your family), you need to create time (even if it is for only a brief time) to care for yourself.  If you are constantly caring for everyone else, you are emptying your bucket of energy—you need to refill it….and the only way to do that is taking 5 minutes (hopefully more) to go for a walk, sit by yourself and read the paper or a few pages of a book, or call a friend or take a long hot shower….whatever it is, you have to make time for yourself. Some days might be more challenging in finding that time but remember it doesn’t have to be for a very long time—because that won’t always be available to you.  Just do something ….and say in your mind, “ this is how I am caring for myself today”. Saying it goes a long way. 

At all times, remember to breathe!