As I was scrolling through Facebook, I came across a post that did a wonderful job describing the IEP meeting. It’s important for parents to be mentally prepared for how it will feel, including the many adults who will be present that will tell you all about your child. The group will explain all the ways your child is behind their peers and will feel focused on all the negative parts of your child. It may even feel as if it is your fault as a parent.

The subject of my last few blogs have dug into emotional support for our children. Please remember, our children will be tired both physically and emotionally! We need to give our children grace as they transition. Going back to school should not just be a relief for caregivers but an opportunity for our children to grow.

The year begins promising and you believe this is it and things are going to start clicking for your child. Then as predicted the concerns arise like a load of bricks falling from the sky.

Are you concerned about the progress of your child but do not know where to begin? The day to day grind of life presents us with different scenarios. For example, some parents get to the point of acceptance, becoming desensitized to the struggles and writing it off as part of life and learning. In other cases, every struggle is personalized, to the point of dreading their child’s homework because it has become such a battle. There is no right or wrong here, it’s understanding your reality in order to find a path forward.

All this talk across the country about “reopening schools” has me wondering, what does “reopen” really mean? Depending on where you live it means different things. Maybe it’s reopening schools to pre-pandemic standards or having students back full time but with the current safeguards in place?

Recently, I listened to a podcast by Rachel Hollis, where part of the episode discussed why the fear of failing is so triggering for many of us. Rachel spoke about how we do ourselves a disservice when we do not allow for failure or refrain from experiences because we don’t want to chance failure. I have always been one to dream but it was these fears of failure that were holding me back. Fear of failure holds us back from continuing to set goals or pursue dreams. The brutal result of this cycle is stagnation.

As a teacher and school administrator, I would dread the month of December as many of my students would begin to struggle. There would be expectations and hopes of what the holidays could bring, but ultimately it created more stress and anxiety, leading students to act out even more. Don’t get me wrong, most students look forward to this time, but consider the students that rely on two of their daily meals coming from school and who will have to find another means to eat. It was sad and exhausting to observe.