Hi Reader,

I'm in the middle of interviewing Real Work therapist Janelle Stuvland, LPC for the August Monthly Magic newspaper, and it's going to be really helpful as we approach the new school year: we are talking about that question all of us parents and caregivers ask:

• how much accommodation is enough, and how do I know am I over-accommodating?
• I want my child to be resilient, and sometimes I feel too harsh, other times wonder if I'm "too easy" on them, while other times I know that accommodating their needs is the right thing.

BUT, we are still talking, so I don't have the article ready for you yet! Stay tuned! In the meantime, I want to bring up the topic of the brain science behind the power of noticing and accepting mixed feelings around returning to school.

It's important to note that that the transition back to school is inherently complex. It involves separation and reunion, familiarity and uncertainty, plus increased autonomy in some areas and reduced control in others. A child may genuinely want to return to friends while also dreading the sensory demands of the classroom. Or, vice versa!

Entering a new grade can be empowering as well as scary, and is usually coupled with some grief around the loss of summer schedules and activities. Link below for full article and what to do and say:

The Neurobiology of Mixed Feelings: Back-to-School Reflections from The Real Work

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I asked our Therapist for Parents, Jenn Mohn, if she could summarize what we as parents might be going through right around this time of year. Here is what she shared:

I like the topic of mixed feelings because there are so many of those as we say goodbye to summer, kids go back to school, and we welcome fall.
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Common Emotions Parents Experience:
Anxiety and Worry - For parents whose children have not had the best experiences in school:
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• Heightened concern about how sensory overload will affect their child throughout the day
• Worries about social challenges and whether their child will fit in or face bullying
• Concerns about classroom demands matching their child's abilities and needs
• Anxiety about whether teachers and staff will understand and properly support their child

Anticipatory Anxiety, Excitement, Mixed with Relief
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• Hopefulness that a supportive environment might help their child thrive
• Relief when they know accommodations are in place and are being implemented
• Optimism that new routines and structures could benefit their child

Guilt and Self-Doubt
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• Wondering if they're advocating enough or asking for the right supports
• Questioning whether they made the right school choice
• Feeling responsible if the transition goes poorly

Exhaustion and Burnout
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• Mental fatigue from coordinating with schools, therapists, and teachers
• Stress from managing their own emotional regulation while supporting their child

Learn more about Jenn here:

Walk and Talk Therapy for Parents with Jenn

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You can still get support for the school year lined up today, I'm ready at my desk to answer your questions and get you connected with a Real Work therapist! Just reply here and let me know which of the following you're interested in:

• Play Therapy for neurodivergent kids or highly anxious and complex kids with Janelle Stuvland, LPC

• Play Therapy for kids and tweens with Megan: Openings on Weekends, Mondays, Tuesdays

• Occupational Therapy with Dr. Oriahna June: Kids and teens of all ages. Openings select weekday afternoons and weekends.

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"Small Steps" group with drama therapist Mick will help 3-5 year olds build confidence for school and childcare settings

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Now accepting new enrollees for the Ferns Thursday afternoon Occupational Therapy Social group!

This OT-led group meets at THPRD Nature Center and is for kids approximately ages 4-7.

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As always, thank you for being part of our community. Stay tuned for the regular Monthly Magic Newspaper in about a week!

Warmly,

Rebekah