August 15, 2023

Five Tips Special Needs Moms Need for Back-to-School

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Dear Special Needs Mommas,

As the school year begins, I want to offer words of encouragement and motivation. Your role as advocates and supporters is crucial. Embrace the first weeks with optimism, knowing that you have the power to shape your child’s educational journey. Trust your instincts, collaborate with educators, and remember, you are never alone.

From my experience as a former special education teacher and a caretaker to an adult with autism, these are my “go to” tips for you to survive the first week of school. You will survive, I promise! You got this!

1. Set your routine.

Know it before you go to bed and be in control of that routine in the morning.

2. Send an “All About Me” page with your child to the teacher answering these questions:

• Child’s favorite interests/things right now.
• Provide a list of people they are closest to in their everyday life.
• When your child becomes upset what is your go to strategy to help find calm.
• I feel like the hardest part of the day for them will be ____________ and this is why…
• One thing you want the teacher to know about your child that will help them this year.
• One thing you hope to accomplish this school year.

3. Let go of the fear you have of how your child will act at school.

The teacher’s role is to support them. Don’t feel guilty that someone else has to learn the ways to support them and teach them. Your child deserves it and you need it. Let go of the guilt.

4. Set your child up for success with extra visuals and pull out your patience card to allow extra processing and wait time this week.

Transition is difficult so allow them to adjust at their speed, and be prepared to take some extra breaths. Just remember you never “outgrow” strategies to support them. So, don’t convince yourself you’re going backwards if you pull out extra supports during this transition week back to school. It just means you are preparing them for success during a very stressful time!

5. Celebrate and refuel, Momma and Daddy! You need it and deserve it!

Don’t spend this time worrying about how they are, spend it fueling yourself. To be great parents you need a recharge. Find that time when they are at school! (Call in sick to work and open a bottle of wine if you have to!)
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Amanda Owen

Amanda Owen is a children’s book author, blogger, podcaster, nonprofit founder and lifelong advocate for those with disabilities. Inspired each day by her older brother, Nick, Amanda has dedicated her life’s work to ensuring others with disabilities are included in their communities and live more fulfilled lives. Find Amanda at Piecesofme.org, Pieces of Me by Amanda on Facebook and Instagram and her Pieces of Me Podcast on Apple.

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