As we approach the last week of September 2023, I can reflect on the return to school for the girls and me, declaring that survival mode exhausts the entire family. Yes, we\u2019re in survival mode, and it\u2019s a lot like hanging on to a rope suspended above a dark, bottomless pit of despair.<\/p>\n
Leigh broke her hand on Thursday, September 14. Although I thought about taking her to the emergency room that night, I waited until after school on Friday. It turned out to be a serious complete fracture along her left hand\u2019s pinky finger. I feel horrible that I didn\u2019t act sooner since I wondered if it might be broken.<\/p>\n
The injury means Leigh cannot participate in the swim team for six weeks. This also limits her participation in band, which annoys her. Leigh\u2019s left-handed and loves art. She\u2019s adapting by creating art on the computer and typing for school using her right hand.<\/p>\n
At least she\u2019s doing well academically in middle school. Leigh works hard and does her best. She has earned excellent grades. We are proud of her.<\/p>\n
Anne struggles with impulse control at school. We had her initial IEP meeting, and the Individualized Education Plan (or \u201cProgram\u201d) from previous years is in place until the school conducts new assessments. Her struggles with ADHD and other challenges result in conflicts with other students and some teachers. To describe her situation as \u201ccomplicated\u201d fails to capture our desperation.<\/p>\n
Elementary school is a battle for Anne\u2026 and with Anne. We, and her teachers, have to push her along or drag her along. I\u2019m not sure which it is. I do know that we cannot keep doing this through high school. She does not want to do the work, no matter what potential rewards are offered. She hates any task that isn\u2019t play. Not every lesson can be turned into a game, nor will every teacher acquiesce to her demand to be entertained.<\/p>\n
The special education teachers use points and rewards to motivate the children. I have mixed feelings about this. At the same time, it isn\u2019t working. She wants the prizes; she doesn\u2019t want to earn them.<\/p>\n
We cannot homeschool Anne anymore. She has to learn to follow rules and respect adults. She has to learn to collaborate with peers and treat them with kindness.<\/p>\n
And then, there\u2019s my situation at the university. I\u2019m commuting twice a week this semester and three next semester. I\u2019m on the road from 7:45 until 10:20 a.m. on those mornings. I stop halfway between home and College Station to use the restroom and stretch. I hurt enough that I am nauseous most mornings. The drive home is easier because I can stop for as long as needed.<\/p>\n
I have five classes, and it seems I\u2019m constantly grading assignments \u2014 at home and in my office. I barely manage to prepare lessons for the classes. I am getting on track, but it isn\u2019t easy. Sleep? What\u2019s that?<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a lot more going on in our lives, too. We\u2019re tired as a family. The stress meter is at 11 on the best days this school year.<\/p>\n
We are surviving. That\u2019s where we are after the first full month of school.<\/p>\n
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As we approach the last week of September 2023, I can reflect on the return to school for the girls and me, declaring that survival mode exhausts the entire family. Yes, we\u2019re in survival mode, and it\u2019s a lot like hanging on to a rope suspended above a dark, bottomless…<\/p>\n