3 Simple Steps to Make Next School Year Smoother (for You and Your Child)

Summer brings a much-needed breath of fresh air for parents like us.

The alarms stop buzzing before sunrise, the homework battles take a backseat, and for a while, you get to just be….without the constant stress that often comes with school.

But here’s the truth most schools don’t tell you: 

The work you do now, during the quiet of summer, can make all the difference in how the next school year begins.

If last year left you feeling frustrated and exhausted from advocating alone, I want to gently remind you….nothing changes if nothing changes.

This summer is your chance to rewrite that story, here’s how:

Step 1: Reflect on What Worked (And What Didn’t)

Start by asking yourself:

• What made your child feel supported last year?
  
  
• What IEP goals or services felt like a mismatch?
  
  
• Where did you feel like you had to push too hard just to be heard?
  
  

This reflection doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 

I promise, a quiet moment with your coffee and a few notes on your phone is enough. 

But this info? It’s gold when it comes to planning for a better year.

If you’re not sure how to even begin sorting through last year’s chaos, I offer complimentary 15-minute calls where we can chat through what happened and map out your next steps because you don’t have to do this alone.

Book your free 15-min call here 

Step 2: Start the Advocacy Conversation Now

I know it’s tempting to wait until August. 

After all, it’s summer!

But school teams often move slowly. And if you wait until back-to-school season, you’re already behind the ball. 

My August calendar started filling up in May…because parents know that schools kick the can down the road and they have to be ahead of the game!

By starting now, you give yourself time to:

• Review IEPs with fresh eyes
  
  
• Gather documentation and data
  
  
• Decide what needs to change (and how to ask for it)
  
  
• Create a game plan with an advocate (like me!) so you’re not scrambling come fall
  
  

When you show up prepared and proactive, you set a tone that says we’re not waiting this year.

Still unsure how to start those conversations? 

That’s exactly what we can talk about in our free call. You bring your questions, I’ll bring the strategy.

Grab your 15-minute spot here 

Step 3: Empower Your Child with Small Wins

While you’re doing the behind-the-scenes work, help your child feel confident too. 

That might look like:

• Practicing routines that will help in the fall (like getting dressed independently or organizing a backpack)
  
  
• Using fun summer learning tools that play to their strengths
  
  
• Talking positively about what’s coming next, even if last year was tough
  
  

When kids feel like they have a voice (and you’re in their corner) they walk into that first day stronger.

And if you’ve ever felt like your voice wasn’t enough in IEP meetings or emails to the school, you don’t have to do that again. Let’s plan a different path forward, together.

Best believe summer is for rest….

But it can also be a season of power moves.

You don’t need to overhaul everything. You just need a plan…and someone in your corner.

If the thought of another school year already makes your stomach twist, let’s change that now.

Let’s go in prepared. 

Supported. 

Heard.

Book your free 15-minute call with me today and let’s create that plan together.