It's back to school time and I always have such mixed emotions. Sure I am glad my kids are back in school but I hate the reality that they are getting older (and so am I), lol. Seriously, where does time go? My middle schooler is like "whatever mom" "it's no big deal". I try to prepare him for what to come with friends, girls, making the right decisions. We have such a great mother/son relationship that he comes to me with everything and he asks me what things mean. I tell him straight up! The honest truth! Sometimes he wishes he didn't ask. I would rather him learn from me then anyone else.
My high schooler and I lay here on this rainy afternoon and I try to explain to him he will be at a new school. We look up the school on the iPad and I try to explain to him that he will be in a new classroom with new friends. I tell him his teacher's name and he tells me "BOO, Happy Halloween"! Gotta love Autism. We laugh and I keep trying to speak to him so simplistically and realize he thinks I am "cray cray". He then tries to tickle me and even tells me "you crazy". This is our awesome relationship but you see the differences with my boys? Wow!!!
How can I prepare him for what to come when he doesn't understand 80% of what I am telling him? What if he is not feeling well? What if he is just wanting to know what's next? What if he is just thirsty and wants something to drink? What if he just needs a break? Sure we have read social stories, done drive bys, attended a tour and a meet and greet but what about all the simple things?
These are real concerns that so many of us loose sleep over. I can only write or explain so much. His IEP is only going to tell them so much, what about everything else? He would need to have a 40 page IEP to get a better understanding of where he has come from and all he can really do. Our story is like so many. It makes it harder that my kids are not in the same school and sometimes staff is intimidated by me although they don't need to be. My husband every year reminds me not to scare the new teacher. I would never..... J
Although I'm not concerned with my middle schooler, of course I always worry because that is what we do.
My high schooler? Of course I'm nervous but I am excited for him at the same time. The staff at his school is exceptional and we will of course support any needs he may have. It's all going to work out, I just know it. He is so ready for this, we are so ready for this. I will remain calm, I will sleep tonight, and I will wake up like every other morning with a smile on my face. I hope all the parents that read this do the same.
Wishing all your children a wonderful 2015/2016 school year. Until next time...
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