Special Needs Parenting

Finding Faith And Friendship On The Special Needs Journey

Schools Over, Now What?

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Do you stress over when school ends and you have no idea what your child will do over the summer?

Do you worry how you will pay for that special camp?  Are you nervous about not finding a “special” camp?

Are you afraid they will forget what they have been learning?

Well, I have a confession.  

I do this sometimes.  

people-eyes-playing-young

My son just finished his 7th-grade year and now he had his first day of summer. Fortunately, we found a great camp that works for him and teaches him great social skills, keeps him active and helps him to keep his brain working.  That is not always the case for our kids is it?  Whether they are 3 or 23 it is hard to find a place that we can trust and that we can feel secure they will take great care of them.

Some great summer ideas I have done with my Charlie over the years are below.  This may give you a start.

       1.  Rest

This is the first things we do the first week.  My child has gone hard and strong for months and his brain needs a rest (as well as mine).  There still needs to be structured of some degree, but I don’t require any academic practice during this week, not even reading if he doesn’t want.  This is his “vacation.”

      2.  Make a Schedule

Once you have let them take a “break” then it is time to get back in a highly structured schedule.  Make a schedule of the things academically they need to keep practicing and then also mixed with some fun summer activities.  I have uploaded a PDF, SUMMER SCHEDULE FOR …, to get you started or to spark creative charts you can make on your own to motivate your child.

      3.  Make Time With Your Child – Only Time With Them

The school year is much busier it seems, but the summer for me can still be busy too.  This is the time of the year besides your Christmas or spring breaks that I feel I can give my full attention and love to my son in a much better way.  Take advantage of this and make a weekly time (or more) that you spend with your child giving them you undivided attention. Plan a fun activity together if you can, something for both of you to look forward to each week.

The summer will be over before you know it and then you will be happy for the school structure to start again.

Rest, plan ahead, keep the structure, make a fun chart, and have some fun!

Happy summer!

 

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autismblessings

Principal at The First Hope of The First Academy
I am a wife and mother, but more importantly a child of God who is loved and blessed. As the Principal of a private Christian Special Needs School, it is humbling to be working with these students and I am blessed to see how God is working in their lives and in their families. My first book Autism Is A Blessing has been shared with many families to encourage them and look at autism in a positive light and how God can use our struggles and use them for His glory and honor. Check out my Blessings Blog at www.pattymyers.com.