Did you ever wake up in the morning and wish there was a parenting handbook with answers to all the difficult questions about raising your kids? Well, just about every day this past year, that was me.
As the mom of a 12-year-old son with Asperger Syndrome, almost every day of this past school year had a surprise in store for me. And not always a pleasant one. These are the questions I would ask myself each day.
Will this be the day where my kid gets bullied? Or be suspended? Will he have another meltdown in class? Will he lose his composure when someone looks at him the wrong way? Will he walk around by himself again at recess?
My heart skipped a beat every time the school’s name came up on call display. I knew then it was time to move him to a different school where he could get a fresh start. So when September comes, my son will start Grade 8 at another school, and get the new beginning he so desperately needs. But his new beginning will be different.
For most parents, back to school means making sure your child has the right supplies and cool clothing that fits. For me – and many other parents of special needs kids – it means doing everything you can to make sure they have a smooth transition to a new grade – and in some cases, a new school. And those plans started long before the new school year begins.
About six weeks before the end of the school year for example, my husband and I met the new teacher to get our many questions answered. A few weeks later, my son came in to meet him and explore the new surroundings. Throughout the summer, a transition book (which includes photos of his teacher, classroom, office, etc.) provides a constant reminder of what to expect in the upcoming year, while essential skills are reinforced by a one-on-one support worker. The week before Labour Day, he will have another chance to visit his new school to choose his desk and locker and ask questions to help ease his anxiety and minimize first day jitters.
When the big day finally arrives I’ll likely be the only parent of a Grade 8 child at the school. I will be there when he hops onto a school bus for the first time; will introduce him to the driver; remind him of some important bus rules; kiss him goodbye; and try really hard not to cry. Then I’ll drive to the school and be ready to meet him as soon as he steps off the bus so I can take him to his line.
Once all the prep work is behind us, all I can hope for is a positive start and a fresh new beginning for my son.
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