And though I knew I was in for some important and serious changes this rentrée, I was abruptly reminded of how important it is to have systems in place to keep me organized. Then I was reminded by EKIPP to submit an article on how to balance home life and therapy for the newsletter! Ha!
Here are some suggestions that I do my best to implement and encourage my clients to do the same:
- In order for gains to be made in the long-term, therapeutic tasks must be carried over and implemented daily by all care givers (parents, nanny, grandmother, etc.)
- Share your personal and family goals for your child with your therapist. This allows them to incorporate them in their therapy plan.
- Get involved in your child’s therapy, ask to observe sessions for at least 10-15 minutes so you can learn what to practice and how best to carryover at home.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions to clinicians, doctors, teachers, etc. Remember these are people too, they do make mistakes and they do not always have all the answers. You are your child’s advocate and are required to learn as much as you can to best assist your child.
- Keep a notebook journal/log with a dated note of improvements, setbacks or behaviors. This helpful feedback provides therapists/doctors with information they need to tweak their goals, exercises, medication etc.
- Plan team meetings at least quarterly between therapists, teachers and caregivers to ensure everyone is on the same page and providing the best care for your child. Don’t wait for the PPS or IEP meeting.
- Ask your school director/principal if your specialists can help train a teacher/learning support staff/AESH.
- If possible get involved in your child’s classroom/school, volunteer for field trips (sorties) and become a parent délégué. We should use all situations to teach and educate others about SEN and inclusion.
- Lean in to EKIPP and make connections with other parents and connections for your children.
- Consider seeking counseling for yourself and even your other children though out their lives. It’s stressful to be a parent and oftentimes more worrisome to be a parent of a SEN child. It’s not always easy for our neurotypical children either (they are just as important as our SEN kiddos and require our attention too).
- Love your children and enjoy the downtime—make the most out of just playing and being still with them. It’s okay to take a few weeks off in summer to be a family.
Lastly, in my self-study this summer, I found a recurring theme of being present and staying in the moment. Because the present is all we have, I am trying to not venture into the future. It puts me at risk to be frightened-and that serves no purpose. I must be the best I can be to successfully serve the various roles in my life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
