Aug 153 min read

Summer Vacay's Last Day! Back to School is Here!

by Dr. David Palmer, Ed.D.

It's hard to believe that I and other students in my district are approaching the last few days of summer vacation.

In fact, I report back for my official first day of teacher training tomorrow!

It seems like not that long ago, we were finishing up our end-of-the-school-year activities, and the several weeks ahead looked endless. But now, in like a blink, they're over, and a new season is about to begin.

15-Minute Discovery Call

Book Now

Summer's Last Day is a New Day

Honestly, I am looking forward to getting back into the routine, but even more, I'm super excited to work with my students again as their resource (special education) teacher.

The main reason for this is that I know how anxious they can be heading back to school. If this year is like the last one, they are worried about so many things—will they be called out in front of their peers because they struggle with reading? Will the friends they had last year still want to be their friends, or have they "moved on" to someone else? Will that inner feeling of being "dumb" rise up again, destroying all confidence and self-worth?

As a teacher and parent, I know that these and a thousand other feelings are real and debilitating. I've felt them as a student, and countless others have as well.

Our Role in the New School Year

This is why I believe it is important for the US as parents, teachers, and supporters of neurodivergent children to not only be aware and empathetic of this anxiety but also know how to navigate and help our kids grow through it and overcome it.

We can do this by remembering these 3 things:

Create safe and inclusive environments: Establish a home and classroom culture that celebrates diversity and individual strengths. Emphasize that everyone learns differently, and that's okay. Implement clear expectations and promote kindness and acceptance among all students.
Provide structure and predictability: Many neurodivergent children thrive on routine and knowing what to expect. Share schedules, give advance notice of changes, and use visual aids to help students understand daily activities. This can significantly reduce anxiety by increasing their sense of control and preparedness.
Foster open communication and emotional support: Encourage students to express their feelings and concerns. Teach and model emotional regulation techniques (co-regulation). Offer regular check-ins and create a system where students can discreetly signal when they need support or a break. Collaboration between parents and teachers will ensure consistent support at home and school.

By focusing on these areas, you can help create a more supportive and nurturing environment for your neurodivergent students, easing their anxiety and boosting their confidence as they start the new school year.

By the way, have you downloaded your free Ulitmate Back-to-School Checklist yet?

I created this resource just for you to support and guide you as you prepare your family for the start of the next school year.

It is full of insights and practical strategies that are essential as you reduce anxiety in your child and equip them for a successful year with understanding and empathy.

You don't want to miss this free resource.

Feel free to share this with another family you think could benefit from it.