Well, a lot has happened since our last update in July. Schools are starting to announcing their plans for the year. But this isn't a new conversation. Tyler and I have been talking a lot about the school year for the past couple months; our concerns, our fears and how everything will impact our boys. The unknown drives us crazy. But as other schools have started to open up the past few weeks one thing is certain...the school year will be unlike any other year and no one knows what the future holds.
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| Sunny snuggles are the best to stay regulated |
We kept hearing talk of schools either going all day in person, total distance learning, or a hybrid of in person and online. All of which could change in an instant depending on what the Covid numbers are like in our area. There were draw backs to each option in our eyes. Autism definitely throws a wrench in any of those plans along with the restrictions and new rules that go with them. If they go in person there is no way Charlie will keep his mask on while at school. He has a hard time wearing it for more than 10 minutes and most times triggers a meltdown. I can't even imagine having to struggle with that each day. And then there's the case of total distance learning or a combo of both. The lack of routine that would go along with that would be brutal for a boy who thrives on routine and expectations. With the real possibility and great likelihood of a school schedule changing from week to week and not having a solid routine to fall on would be an extreme form of torture for all of our boys. None of these options are viable for our family. So we did the only thing we thought would work the best for our kids.....
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| The dentist is not a fun trip to make |
We decided to homeschool this year! I'll be honest and say that this has been something that has been on my heart for a couple of years now. To the point where I have researched all aspects of homeschooling extensively. Which was actually pretty helpful because it made the jump to do homeschool less scary and I already had an idea of what I wanted to incorporate for lessons, schedule, routine, etc with my boys. Now, getting it all put together is another story. I've been working tirelessly the last couple weeks to get things organized and ready for us to start on 8/31.
How do the boys feel about it? They are actually very excited for it. So excited, in fact, that Charlie asks me every day if we will start school tomorrow (despite having the start date circled on the calendar). Sure, I know everyday won't be perfect and lovely. I totally understand that we will have hard days. But being prepared for those days will help. Giving myself and the boys a little grace will go a long way. Will I be exhausted? Most likely since I will still work part time from home in the afternoon/evenings. But both Tyler and I feel this is the best option for our family. And I actually think it will be wonderful. Cheers to new adventures!
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| Making pancakes together |