Ep 5: A-Z of Parenting - Prof Amanda Kirby Back to School for Parents

Neurodiversity with Theo Smith

In this episode, Theo Smith and Amanda Kirby discuss the challenges parents face when their children go through transitions, such as starting school or moving to a new school. They emphasize the importance of supporting parents and addressing their stress, anxiety, and mental health. Amanda shares her experiences as a parent and grandparent, highlighting the small but significant details that can make a big difference in preparing children for transitions. They discuss the importance of planning ahead, creating visual timetables, and providing structure and support for children during these transitions. In this conversation, Amanda and Theo discuss strategies for parents of neurodiverse children to navigate the challenges of back-to-school season. They emphasize the importance of understanding and accommodating individual needs, creating a positive relationship with schools, and prioritizing key areas of support. They also highlight the significance of listening to and observing children to better understand their needs and preferences. The conversation concludes with a reminder to be kind to oneself and to appreciate the unique qualities of neurodiverse children.

Keywords parenting, transitions, stress, anxiety, mental health, support, planning, visual timetables, structure, neurodiversity, back-to-school, individual needs, positive relationship, support, listening, observing, self-care

Takeaways

• Parents face significant challenges when their children go through transitions, and it is important to support them and address their stress, anxiety, and mental health.
• Planning ahead and creating visual timetables can help children prepare for transitions and reduce anxiety.
• Providing structure and support, such as laying out clothes the night before and having a routine, can make a big difference in helping children navigate transitions.
• Small details, such as adapting clothing or creating a calm space for children, can have a significant impact on their ability to cope with transitions.
• Addressing the needs and concerns of parents is crucial, as they play a vital role in supporting their children during transitions. Understand and accommodate the individual needs of neurodiverse children during back-to-school season.
• Create a positive relationship with schools by sharing information about your child's strengths, preferences, and challenges.
• Prioritize key areas of support and focus on a few achievable goals.
• Listen to and observe your child to better understand their needs and preferences.
• Be kind to yourself and appreciate the unique qualities of neurodiverse children.

• Addressing the Needs of Parents
• Supporting Parents Through Transitions Prioritizing Key Areas of Support
• Building a Positive Relationship with Schools

TitlesSound BitesChapters00:00Supporting Parents Through Transitions03:09The Importance of Planning and Visual Timetables19:28Creating Structure and Support for Children23:08The Impact of Small Details on Coping with Transitions30:07Building a Positive Relationship with Schools35:15Prioritizing Key Areas of Support41:22Listening and Observing: Understanding Your Child's Needs45:20Being Kind to Yourself: The Long Game of Parenting