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As soon as the school year begins, I start anticipating summer break. Parenting school-age children is already a challenge, but being the parent of kids with special needs on Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) ups the ante. Both of my children are on IEPs, which makes for a long and exhausting academic year. By the time May arrives, I feel utterly drained – not just exhausted, but burnt out like never before. While all parents face their own stresses, those of us with children on IEPs carry an additional load of worries.
For those unfamiliar, an IEP, or Individualized Educational Plan, outlines the specific educational supports and services a child requires to succeed in school. It functions as a flexible contract with the school, adapting as needed. Each year, summer school is presented as an option, and every year, I firmly decline. The guilt that follows is hard to shake.
When summer finally arrives, my family and I need time to reconnect and unwind. It’s a chance for my kids to be kids, free from the pressures of school meetings and rigid schedules. We need this break to breathe, relax, and recharge.
This year has been particularly challenging, making the thought of summer school even less appealing. As an IEP parent, taking a break is almost a luxury that feels out of reach. If I let my guard down even a little, things can quickly spiral. Anyone with a child on an IEP knows this all too well; the school year offers no real downtime, and this year has been no exception.
Throughout the school year, it’s vital to celebrate even the smallest victories. These moments of joy act as lifelines amid the overwhelming challenges. When negativity threatens to overshadow our progress, these little wins help restore a sense of balance and normalcy.
Yet, the feeling of normalcy can be elusive. Conversations with other parents often remind me that our “normal” looks different. The educational system is designed for the “typical learner,” leaving those of us with children facing learning differences acutely aware of our unique challenges. It can be disheartening when we realize how our journeys diverge from those of others.
Beyond worrying about our children’s struggles, the pressure to ensure I’m doing everything possible for their success weighs heavily. Thankfully, we have supportive IEP teams for both kids, but even with their assistance, the process can be exhausting. Daily life feels like a constant reminder that we don’t quite fit into the standard mold of education, with meetings, therapy sessions, and behavior plans reinforcing that notion.
Reflecting on our journey, I never expected to still be navigating this process nearly eight years later. I’ve seen parents disengage from their children’s educational paths, and while I once found this hard to comprehend, I now understand the temptation to just give up.
Despite the struggles, I refuse to surrender. As a parent, perseverance is part of the job. I may shed tears in solitude, research endlessly, and second-guess my decisions, but I’ll keep advocating for my children. When summer break finally arrives, I’ll take a moment to breathe and celebrate – perhaps even with a glass of wine.
So, no, my kids won’t be attending summer school. For more insights into parenting, check out this related blog post. If you’re looking for resources on home insemination, consider visiting Make a Mom, an authority on the subject. Additionally, March of Dimes offers excellent guidance on fertility treatment.
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Summary:
In this article, a parent reflects on the challenges of navigating the school system with children on IEPs and explains why they choose to forgo summer school. The need for a break and family time is emphasized, alongside the emotional toll that comes with being an IEP parent. Celebrating small victories and advocating for their children’s needs remain priorities, as the parent prepares to embrace summer as a time for rest and rejuvenation.
Keyphrase: Summer school for special needs children
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