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Guest Edition: Preparing for a Successful School Year - Summer Tips for Parents

  • Jul 1
  • 3 min read

Supporting Your Child's Growth, Confidence, and Well-Being


As summer winds down, many families begin thinking about the transition back to school. For neurodivergent children, returning to school can bring excitement, uncertainty, and a variety of emotions. The goal isn't to "fix" challenges over the summer—it's to help your child feel confident, supported, and prepared for the year ahead. But how? Here are 8 summer tips for parents:


1. Celebrate Strengths First

Before focusing on goals or areas of difficulty, take time to recognize your child's strengths.

Ask yourself:

  • What does my child enjoy?

  • What are they naturally curious about?

  • When do they feel most successful?

  • What progress have they made this year?

Building confidence starts with helping children understand what they do well.


2. Keep Learning Fun and Meaningful

Learning doesn't have to look like worksheets.

Try:

  • Reading together about favorite topics

  • Cooking and following recipes

  • Playing board games

  • Exploring museums, parks, or libraries

  • Practicing real-world math through shopping or travel

  • Encouraging creative projects and hobbies

Children often learn best when activities connect to their interests.


Children baking at a table, clapping flour beside bowls of chocolate chips, eggs, and batter in a bright kitchen.

3. Strengthen Independence Through Everyday Routines

Summer is a great time to build life skills at a relaxed pace.

Practice:

  • Packing backpacks

  • Following morning routines

  • Organizing materials

  • Completing age-appropriate chores

  • Managing personal belongings

  • Using calendars, checklists, or visual schedules

These skills support executive functioning and confidence.


4. Support Regulation and Emotional Wellness

School requires significant emotional and sensory energy.

Help your child identify:

  • What helps them feel calm

  • What helps them focus

  • Signs that they are becoming overwhelmed

  • Strategies that help them recharge

Building self-awareness is one of the most valuable skills a child can carry into the school year.


5. Revisit School Accommodations and Supports

If your child has an IEP, 504 Plan, or receives support services, review what worked well and what may need adjustment.

Consider:

  • Which accommodations were helpful?

  • Were there challenges during transitions?

  • Are sensory or executive functioning supports needed?

  • Have your child's needs changed?

Starting these conversations early can reduce stress once school begins.


Child and parents in a bright office meeting with a counselor; child writes on paper while adults listen, shelves of colorful binders behind them

6. Gradually Reintroduce School Routines

A week or two before school starts:

  • Shift bedtime and wake-up schedules gradually

  • Practice morning routines

  • Visit the school campus if possible

  • Review transportation plans

  • Talk through what to expect

Predictability helps reduce anxiety and build confidence.


7. Build Positive Expectations

Instead of focusing only on worries, invite conversations about opportunities.

Ask:

  • What are you looking forward to?

  • What are you curious about?

  • What would help you feel prepared?

  • Is there anything you're worried about?

Listening without immediately trying to solve every concern helps children feel heard and supported.


8. Remember That Connection Comes First

The strongest predictor of a successful transition is not perfect preparation—it's knowing there are supportive adults in your corner.

Children thrive when they feel:

  • Safe

  • Accepted

  • Understood

  • Encouraged

  • Valued for who they are

Your relationship with your child is one of the most powerful supports they carry into a new school year.



Summer Tips for Parents: Takeaway

A successful school year starts long before the first day of school. By focusing on strengths, building routines, supporting regulation, and fostering independence, families can help children enter the new year with greater confidence and resilience.


Progress—not perfection—is the goal. Every child grows at their own pace, and summer is an opportunity to nurture the skills, supports, and self-understanding that help them thrive.




About the Author


headshot of Meredith Gleason

Meredith Gleason is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and founder of Empower Child Learning, a multidisciplinary practice that provides comprehensive assessment, counseling, speech-language, educational therapy, and academic support services for children and families. She works alongside a collaborative team of professionals dedicated to understanding each child's unique strengths and needs through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach.


Meredith specializes in comprehensive assessments and supports for students  with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, executive functioning challenges, and social-emotional needs. With nearly 20 years of experience in education, Meredith is passionate about helping children and teens understand their strengths, access appropriate supports, and thrive both in school and beyond.

 


Meredith Gleason, M.S., NCSP, LEP #3847 

Licensed Educational Psychologist/Owner of 

Empower Child Learning

Servicing Clients throughout California in-person and virtually

Office: 858-215-2068 Direct: 310-703-3638


 
 
 

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