Additional Needs

What’s Next?

Posted by Sarah Kirkpatrick on 4th October 2021 Additional Needs, Advice & Support, Disabilities

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The other day someone asked me what my plans were for my daughter next year regarding school. What am I going to do? At the moment we are attending a school program one day a week, which essentially is an extension of Early Intervention therapies. We are slowly introducing her to a more structured environment outside the house, but her 4th birthday is approaching, so soon we will be transitioning into Prek. 

Sometimes I feel like I am waiting for an adult to hold my hand and guide me through these things, but then I remember I am the adult. I am fantastic when it comes to remembering medicine schedules and juggling therapy, but when it comes to typical parenting milestones I am absolutely clueless. My daughter is an only child, so I do not have anything to compare my experience to. 

It has been a struggle balancing my work life and all of my daughter’s needs.

It has been a struggle balancing my work life and all of my daughter’s needs. I am a hair stylist and am only able to get child care for a couple days a week to maintain my client base. I never intended to be a stay at home mom. I love my career, and want to do everything necessary to continue it. The thought recently occurred to me that school would also equate to more opportunities to work. 

As enticing as working more is, there is always a level of anxiety of leaving her with people I am not familiar with. Also, the daunting process of doing everything needed to get her established in the school system. I feel completely out of my element. I know I need to get the transition started though, because kindergarten is right around the corner. 

One thing disability parents excel at is adapting to new and sometimes less than pleasant situations.

One thing disability parents excel at is adapting to new and sometimes less than pleasant situations. One thing we are not the best at is relinquishing control. Although I love seeing my daughter have more opportunities to grow and learn, it is hard not being by her side in the process. But in the long run I believe it will be what is best for us both.