By: Dr. Kawthar Hameed Abdullah
Ed.D Educational Psychology and Special Education
Many parents concentrate mostly on what schools do for their children. They are concerned how schools can maximize their special needs child’s learning abilities and how they will solve behavioral problems that may arise. Many parents may feel helpless knowing how vital things that go on in school are to their children, but they feel removed and uninformed. These are all very important aspects for parents to be concerned about.
However, parents have one important power. That is the power to get their child to school in the morning rested, happy and in a great mood. It is the responsibility of parents, especially for those who have children with special needs. If a child arrives at school tired, grumpy, and irritable, it will be a difficult day for both teacher and child. Furthermore, the parents may be called to the school for behavior issues, which often occur when a child is tired. Children with different needs are more likely to experience stress and upset during the day than typical children, so if they are happy going to school in the morning and look forward to their day, most likely it will be a good day.
We can compare the child's level of anxiety or stress to an RPM meter in a car; if the needle passes a certain point, there is going to be a meltdown. Things may happen during the day to add more stress and push the needle higher up into the red zone. The child is more likely to hit that danger zone level if he has had a bad morning.
Consider how mornings proceed in the house usually. What type of things or activities may cause stress or anxiety for your child? Are his clothes uncomfortable? Are the tags annoying him? Is there food that you are forcing him to eat that he doesn’t like?
Maybe he has a texture issue. Maybe he can’t find the things that he needs for school, which can add to an already foul mood. Maybe you are nagging him to find his supplies and hurry up and eat, which is adding fuel to the fire of an already stressed out child.
Now we need to look at how this can be changed…
A stable morning routine is very important to put children in a excited mood for school. One of the best things about morning routines is that they are a “whatever works” situation. Getting through the morning rush of things peacefully and without arguments is a high priority. Don’t argue with your child who has a sensitivity about clothing about what they should wear. Instead, find clothing the evening before that he/she is agreeable to wear. Serve food that you know your child will eat, even if it’s something simple like a peanut butter or a cheese sandwich. Start the morning out on a good footing. Getting your child out of the house and to school fed and happy is more important than fixing an exotic breakfast or having them dress up like a glamorous junior fashion model.
It is best if things are organized the night before. Homework and school supplies should be in the book bag, and clothes have been laid out for the next day. You can even decide on the food your child will want to eat, so there is no problems the next morning .
Getting your child to school in the morning as happy as possible is one of the best ways to support your child’s special education. You just need to change the way you do things and give your child and yourself a fresher start in the morning with a good attitude.
Five reasons to give your child a fresh start in the mornings:
1. It displays respect for school and the work your child does there.
2. Your child will be more likely to flourish and reach goals.
3. Good mornings can motivate the entire family to have a great day.
4. You’ll start the day feeling in control of your child.
5. It’s a way to make improvements in your school day and will make for more positive experiences at school.
Three bad excuses not to give your child a fresh start:
1. School behavior is the school’s problem. Unfortunately, what occurs at school doesn’t stay at school. It comes back home as notes, disciplinary notices, Saturday detentions, and inadequate IEP goals. It is best to keep unacceptable situations from happening in the first place, instead of having to deal with the circumstances that may come along with undesirable behavior from your child.
2. Something always goes wrong in the morning no matter what. Make your goals smaller and more attainable, every little bit will help.
3. I’m not a morning person. If mornings are your worst time, all the more reason to get pretty much everything but breakfast done the night before. Make a project of it with your child.
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