“Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” [Dorothy; Wizard of Oz]
No, we are not in Kansas anymore, especially when we are considering how our children are responding to being back in school. From my lens, as an education advocate / consultant, working with parents, teachers, and administrators; far too many kids today are anxious, stressed, and just-plain on-edge within the school setting. As a result, their behaviors are pushing into the “Amygdala Hijack” featuring flight – fight or freeze. Can you relate?
It’s as if the veil of compliance has fallen by the wayside, and the standard of equilibrium has taken leave; as a result, way too many students are simply over-whelmed.
If this sounds familiar, and you have seen the early signs of your child starting to struggle at school as the “honeymoon” of the new school year wains, let’s schedule time to talk. As experienced education advocate, but most notably, as a behavior specialist, I know the following: If we start to see the signs of school reluctance, disengagement, or agitation, this early in the year, it rarely leans into getting better but most often transcends into a more challenging set of behaviors.
Just know, you are not alone: Trust your instincts and consider a call. This work is what I do.
“True courage is in facing danger when you are afraid…” [Wizard of Oz]