A new school year is upon us!
As you read this, you may have just sent your child(ren) to school, or you may already be in your first few weeks. Either way, the school year is off and running.
As a mom who has experienced this many times, I know it comes with a lot of emotions and a lot of work. And that’s for neurotypical children, let alone if you have a child with special needs. That changes the entire landscape of starting a new school year.
For those who don’t know, I have three children. My oldest and youngest are neurotypical, and my middle child, Elizabeth, has special needs. She has sensory processing disorder (SPD), global dyspraxia, and an auditory processing disorder—all of which affect her daily life.
Because of this, I’ve gotten both experiences many times over. And since I consider myself a bit of a veteran at this, I want to offer you my best advice.
MY TOP 5 PARENTING TIPS TO GET THROUGH THE START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
Back-to-School Tip #1: Don’t Compare
As hard as it might be, resist the urge to compare your child’s progress with their peers.
It can be tough during “meet the teacher” night when you notice other children talking fluently while your child struggles with three- or four-word sentences. Or when classmates are reading independently at a higher level while you wish your child could get there, too.
But here’s the truth: don’t compare—celebrate your child’s growth and victories.
If you want extra support in speech and oral motor development, TalkTools® therapy tools can help strengthen skills step by step, especially useful for parents seeking parenting advice for kids with sensory processing disorder.
Repeat it often: Don’t compare!
Back-to-School Tip #2: Watch for Signs
I’m not talking about signs from above (although those are always welcome). I mean signs of stress in your child.
Every child shows stress differently. For example, in second grade, Elizabeth would come home gritting her teeth and saying “no” to everything—even to ice cream for dinner!
What can you do?
- Write down what you notice—changes in appetite, stimming, and resistance to school.
- Pay attention to timing—is it right after school, at dinner, or before bed?
- Ask specific questions—instead of “How was your day?” try “Was the lunchroom too loud?” or “Did your aide help with your lunchbox?”
If your child struggles to communicate, TalkTools® parent training courses can give you strategies to better understand and support their needs.
These approaches double as stress management tips for parents of special needs kids. And for children like Elizabeth, who also has auditory challenges, these became essential in supporting children with auditory processing disorder at school.
The more specific the feedback, the better support your child will get.
Back-to-School Tip #3: Get a Calendar and Create a Schedule
A calendar is a lifesaver for both you and your child.
Use it to track:
- Daily activities
- Therapy appointments
- Sibling schedules (sports, clubs, jobs, etc.)
This way, when a therapist asks to reschedule, you’ll know exactly what works. It also helps prepare your child for upcoming changes or events.
For some children, a weekly schedule works best so they don’t worry too far ahead. Others feel calmer knowing everything in advance. Adjust to your child’s needs.
Creating daily or weekly routines isn’t just helpful—it’s one of the best ways to create school routines for children with special needs.
And yes, you’ll also see where you might have a little bit of free time for yourself!
Back-to-School Tip #4: Breaks for All
Everyone needs breaks—including you.
For Elizabeth, that meant listening to therapy music right after school to regulate her nervous system. For your child, it might be something different.
Breaks can also be structured with calming activities. Many families find TalkTools® sensory and oral motor tools helpful for children to reset and regulate after a long day.
Don’t forget: parents and caregivers need breaks too.
This is a 24/7 job with no holidays. Allow yourself time to rest and recharge without guilt. A calmer, more balanced you helps your child, too.
Back-to-School Tip #5: Don’t Trust the Process (and That’s Okay)
This isn’t a negative thing—it’s empowering.
You don’t need to believe everything will be perfect from day one. You can:
- Advocate for changes during the year
- Meet with teachers to adjust plans
- Say “actively involved” instead of “trusting”; it’ll all work out.
This is where advocacy tips for parents of children with special needs come in—you are your child’s best voice.
Perfection isn’t the goal—progress and advocacy are. Trust yourself and your instincts.
The beginning of the school year can feel overwhelming, especially when parenting a child with special needs. But with these back-to-school tips for parents—avoiding comparisons, watching for stress signs, keeping schedules, making space for breaks, and staying empowered—you’ll be better equipped to navigate it all.
And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. TalkTools® products and courses are designed to support families like ours, helping children build skills while empowering parents with tools and knowledge.
Good luck to all parents and children starting a new year—you’ve got this!