Expectations: How Far Have We Come and What to Expect for the New School Year

Expectations

As we head into a new school year, I am excited for all of the potential, but I can’t help but reflect on the past year, too. Our baby has grown so much and school has had a big part in that growth.

Last year I was a nervous wreck. Like most parents, when their child heads to school for the first time, you worry about how his day will go; you want to follow the bus to make sure they get to the school; you think that no one could possibly care for your child like you do; what if the other kids pick on your child? I had all of these worries but mine seemed to be magnified because our child is disabled… and only 3 at the time. This year is different. I still have a few worries but I know he is in good hands. He will have the same therapist, the same classmates, the same class room, and the same support staff to help push him to be better. We also have been working really hard over the summer to maintain what we learned during the last school year.

For those that are just starting out with school:

• Try to have an idea of what you think your child can do.
• What are some goals you want them to work toward?
• Listen to the people in the IEP meeting, they really want to see your child succeed and may have some new ideas.

For those returning to school:

• You have some experience under your belt now and you know what to expect. Be an advocate for your child.
• Trust the school staff to do what they say they are going to do.
• Push your child, and the staff, to be better than last year. Set bigger goals.
• Check in throughout the year to make sure things are going well and staying on track.

Tracy Felix Tracy blogs about her life and challenges as a mom to a son with special needs. Her blog has provided a forum for parents to get support, share ideas, and learn. You can connect with her at www.Facebook.com/xlinked1

Helpful Articles

• Do You Set High Expectations for Your Child with Special Needs?
• Setting and Achieving High Expectations
• What to Expect when Establishing Expectations
• Avoiding Unmatched Expectations
• How to close out Summer and Prepare for the New School Year
• Helpful Tools to Start this School Year Off Right!

This post originally appeared on our September/October 2016 Magazine