10 Important Lessons I Learned after the First Week of School
We've made it! We survived our first week of Kindergarten...Or at least the hardest part for me - Waking up. You know me, I went a bit overboard documenting the occasion with pictures and video. Maybe it'll give you a few ideas if your little one is starting school soon. Here are some things I've learned after the first week of school. 1. The novelty wears off quick (for adults): It's fun and excitinggetting ready for the first day of school the night before, but by the third
10 Do's & Don't's for a Successful Start to Kindergarten
My "big girl" is starting school next week. We have gone to her school and met some of the teachers, the principal, and done a little tour. Despite being told multiple times we were just there to finalize paperwork, she insisted on packing her backpack, bringing a snack, and was disappointed when we left her school after a half hour. While my sweet, eager little girl is only attending preschool for the first time, it got me thinking of how actual school isn't that far off. He
Why I'm Nervous About the First Day of School for my Sons with Autism
The first day of school for my sons, Justin and Tyler, is getting close. This is going to be the first time in more than six years that I've only had one kid to take care of for most of the day (their baby brother). The first time I'm going to have a little free time in I don't know how long. I'm not going to be a complete ball of nerves most of the day, trying to take care and manage three very different personalities who all want my attention and never in the same way. To s
ADHD Secrets my Teacher should Know
Dear Teacher, as we prepare for another day of school together, can we pause for a moment? We have gone through my checklist, gathering everything I need for the day's subjects. But did we go through your checklist? Both of us need to feel successful. Since you have helped me understand how you want me to prepare for school, here is my checklist for you. StartFragment > DO YOU HAVE MY ATTENTION? It is hard to tell by looking at me sometimes, becuase I don't always make eye c
Ease the Anxiety of Back to School
When a child has extra needs, as my oldest does, it creates challenges when preparing to go back to school. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that the techniques I have learned to keep the transition as smooth as possible actually help me with my younger two! My youngest just started daycare, and we did it without any issues. I call that a parenting win! School is starting soon, and you probably know all the basics: supplies, new clothes and, if you can bribe, I mean
Handling those Back-to-School Meltdowns
A few years ago, a small miracle in learning occurred in the home of a single mom whose third grader melted down about his homework. Karen had taken Jamal to the dentist. He'd missed two hours of school, and didn't know his homework assignment. Learning was a daily struggle for him. When he realized that he couldn't reach his teacher, he exploded, upset about falling behind once again. He cried long and hard. His mom stayed with him. At the lowest point, he stormed from room
Boredom as a Teaching Opportunity
Dear Parents, You and your kids are currently in the midst of the summer wherever you may be and your kids are probably complaining about boredom every now and then. I know about this all too well. The teens and tweens tell me about this. Parents complain about not knowing how to handle it. Oh the irony. During the school year many kids wish that they had free time to worry about. I remember being a teen and also being told to clean out my closet when I complained about bored