Your child IS telling you something

Sharon Sedlar | April 24, 2025

So many languages!  We aren’t talking about Spanish, French or German.  We are talking about verbal, body, visual, or written.  And we use all of them, every single day – so do our children.  And they’re giving you important information in every way – are you receiving it?

At this time of the year, many of us are “done”.  Done with the weather, work, chores (or the new ones already!), family, or whatever dynamic makes you feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest.  But there are also many things to look forward to – nicer weather, summer vacations, graduation parties, more daylight…so many great things are happening this time of year!

How is your child doing?  How are they feeling?  Overwhelmed or unchallenged?  Happy that school is almost over for the year or stressed about the (for some) dreaded standardized testing season?  Do they come home hungry and ready to raid the kitchen, or feeling ill and hiding in their room?  Or perhaps they’re attached to your side until bedtime, anxious to be away from you?  Are they up and ready for school, or dragging their feet telling you their stomach hurts?

These are all signs, and tell us how our child is feeling – especially when they can’t verbalize it.

This is the perfect time to take stock of how your child is doing.  Yes, now!  If your child is in school and perhaps in need of an evaluation or update for an Individualized Special Education Plan (IEP) or is gifted (GIEP), it’s a good idea to speak with your school before June.  While administrators work over the summer, teachers generally do not – and they’re important voices in the IEP process.

Want to evaluate a different education environment for your child?  Private and charter schools hold schedules like district schools, and your ability to monitor a class or evaluate the demeanor of students attending won’t be feasible if they’re on summer vacation.

Curious about home education?  The summer is a perfect time to evaluate your options, talk to home educating parents, or purchase curriculum!

The point is – listen to your child with your heart and your head.  Make the changes that are needed.  Before you know it, the next school year will begin! 😅