The end of summer!

In just a few days summer break is over and school is starting again. Something that a lot of parents look forward to. Although life when there’s school is more structured, it also creates stress for children that are on the spectrum. New people, new structures, unclarity’s and uncertainties are not your child’s best friend. I used to really dread those first weeks. Because as a parent, we want our children to thrive and feel good when starting a new schoolyear.

It’s impossible as a parent to solve every problem for your child, the transition from vacation to school will always be difficult for a child that is on the spectrum. However, there are some things you can do as a parent to make things easier for your child.

Make sure you create moments of rest in those first few weeks. When things start picking up after the summer, most calendars start filling up with all kinds of appointments and activities. Try to control this for your child, but also for yourself. Try to move forward those appointments that can wait. A transitioning phase from vacation to school takes a lot of energy. So, make sure you to use that energy wisely.

Before the holiday starts, try to find out in which class your child will be after the summer. Some schools have special afternoons in which children will go and see their teacher, classmates and classroom. Otherwise, a picture of the new teacher can also give some clarity.

In the week before school starts, try to transition your child into a school appropriate sleeping rhythm. When you take your time to slowly transition, this will usually be easier than a big change at once. Keep in mind that also for older children sleep is very important, which also means a clear bedtime.

In the weekend before school starts, you and your child can start getting stuff (schoolbags, supplies or clothes) ready for the new schoolyear. So, your child can see things are starting up again. For the children that are a little bit older, you could even take a look at the planner. This can be a planner with pictures, to give your child an idea of what the upcoming week will look like.

Finally, it’s very important to realize that those first few weeks are going to be hectic and sometimes even stressful. To accept this will already make all the difference. Because in spite of all the planning and preparations, things will always go different as planned. Off course this will always be difficult for a child that is on the spectrum, but that is also life. Not everything in life can be planned or directed, and that in itself is a good thing.