As parents, we strive to set our children up for success, especially when it comes to their school experience. For neurodiverse children, establishing routines and advocating for their needs can make a significant difference in their academic performance and overall well-being. In this post, we’ll cover key tips from Genie Dawkins' podcast episode "Ensuring School Success: Accommodations, Routines, and Parent Advocacy Tips," to help you and your child navigate the school year effectively.
After a long day at school, children, especially neurodiverse ones, need time to decompress. Genie Dawkins suggests incorporating a “cool down” period of 30 to 60 minutes after school. This period allows children to relax and transition smoothly from the busy school environment to home.
Actionable Steps:
1. Designate a Relaxation Time: Set aside 30-60 minutes right after school for your child to unwind. This can include quiet activities such as drawing, listening to calming music, or simply resting.
2. Establish Homework Routines: Even if the school doesn’t assign homework daily, maintain a consistent academic routine. This could involve 10-45 minutes of reading, working on educational apps, or going through math workbooks.
Creating a calming evening and bedtime routine is pivotal for reducing anxiety and preparing children for a good night's sleep. Consistency is key, and establishing screen-free time before bed can help with this.
Actionable Steps:
1. Screen-Free Wind Down: Remove screens 30-60 minutes before bedtime to help your child relax. Use this time for activities like reading, playing board games, or listening to stories.
2. Use Soothing Sounds: Consider white noise, ASMR, or Spotify stories to help children fall asleep. For kids struggling with sleep, herbal remedies such as sleepy time tea and melatonin can be useful, but avoid ZzzQuil due to its potential liver damage.
A successful school day starts with a well-structured morning routine. Fixed wake-up times, proper preparation, and a nutritious breakfast are essential components.
Actionable Steps:
1. Consistent Wake-Up Time: Set alarms 30 minutes earlier for children with ADHD to give them the extra time needed to get ready. Choose gentle alarms for children sensitive to loud sounds.
2. Organized Clothes: Encourage kids to set out their own clothes the night before, fostering decision-making and independence.
3. Nutritional Breakfast: Ensure your child has a balanced breakfast with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. If they’re picky eaters, incorporate multivitamins into their morning routine.
Parental involvement and effective communication with school staff are crucial for accommodating your child’s needs and advocating for their success.
Actionable Steps:
1. Avoid Rescue Missions: Resist the urge to bring forgotten items to school. Instead, use verbal reminders and phone calls to help your child remember to pack essentials like lunchboxes, laptops, and books.
2. Initial Communication: Send introduction emails to teachers highlighting your child’s strengths and challenges. This proactive approach ensures that educators are aware of and can prepare to meet your child’s needs.
3. Regular Check-Ins: Have ongoing communication with special education coordinators and teachers to ensure the proper implementation of your child’s IEP and other accommodations.
4. Documentation: Maintain detailed records of all interactions and agreements with the school. Understanding policies, especially around issues like bullying, allows you to advocate effectively for your child.
Maintaining routines helps reduce anxiety and build independence, but flexibility is also necessary for handling changes and deviations in routines.
Actionable Steps:
1. Consistent but Flexible Routines: Stick to established routines but provide heads-up and reminders about upcoming changes to minimize resistance and anxiety.
2. Support at Home: Duplicate school materials at home and set up a designated study area equipped with necessary supplies. This provides a distraction-free environment conducive to learning.
3. Monitor Progress: Regularly review your child’s retention of academic skills and consider additional support like tutoring if necessary.
Genie Dawkins's podcast episode shines a light on the critical aspects of setting up children for school success. By creating effective after school, evening, and morning routines, communicating proactively with school staff, and maintaining a flexible approach, you can help your neurodiverse child thrive academically and emotionally. Remember, as parents, you are your child’s role model and source of stability. Embrace the journey, adapt as needed, and don't hesitate to revisit these strategies and seek support when necessary.
Listen to the full episode of "The Parenting Cipher" for more insights and tips on advocating for your child’s success. Your commitment and proactive actions can make all the difference in your child’s educational journey.
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