Encouragement for Moms of Kids Having a Tough Year in School

Hi fellow mama. I want you to know that you are amazing. You put your heart and soul into parenting your kid(s) and although you often go unnoticed, I see you. I see how you stressed over choosing the right school and preparing your kids for the year to start. How you bought school supplies, new shoes and a first day of school outfit for your kids. How you gave your kids a pep talk before dropping them off in the morning. 

Now your kiddo is having a hard year at school and you are feeling a mountain of pressure, guilt and expectations on your shoulders. You feel like you did something wrong. But what? Should you have toured more schools to find the perfect fit? Should you have done more research and read every single review of the school? Should you have asked for a certain teacher? Should you be helping more with homework? Should you have gotten them tested earlier or not tested them at all? Should you be doing more to advocate for their needs? I know you have asked yourself some of these questions and likely many others. I still see you and believe that you are doing your best. 

You might feel like no one understands. Like people disagree with your parenting. Like everyone thinks you are making the wrong choices. This may or may not be true. But it doesn’t matter. What matters is what you believe is best for you and your family. You might have consulted with friends, family, teachers, school staff, doctors or other professionals only to end up feeling more confused than when you started. As you sift through the advice of others (some great and some not-so-great), don’t lose sight of the truth. The truth is that you want what is best for your kids and deep down, you probably know what that is. If you don’t, then don’t be afraid to try a different approach. If it works, great! If it doesn’t, try something else. 

If you need to advocate for your child, do it. Take into account the advice of others who care about your child, but always go with your mama gut. Don’t worry if you don’t know the lingo or the right things to ask for. Believe in yourself the way your child believes in you (or will one day if you’re going through a rough patch with them) and ask for what you think your child needs. Always start off being kind when asking for what your child needs, but don’t hesitate to stand firm if it seems like no one is listening. 

Ask your child what they need and actively listen. Children are wise and often know what they need or are showing you in some way if they can’t quite articulate it. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help and don’t forget to take good care of yourself. Being a mom takes a lot of strength and patience and you are doing an amazing job. I see you because I am you at the moment, have been in the past, and probably will be again in the future. Hang in there mama!!