Back to School: 5 Things Parents Should Know

Returning to the Classroom

Advice by Alma Morgan, ASK Educational Consultant

We recognize that a child with cancer returning back to school can sometimes feel overwhelming. The following information is intended to provide advice and resources available through ASK to make the return to school more comfortable for you and your child.

1. Notify every teacher of your child's diagnosis and treatment.
Your child's teachers see your child daily, spending great amounts of time with him/her which makes them a good resource for assessing how they are doing. Teachers should be made aware of the physical and psychological challenges your child may face when returning to the classroom. Often times, patients and survivors will encounter fatigue, lost appetite and varying energy levels in addition to temporary changes, including weight gain or loss, mood swings, problems with coordination, muscle weakness and difficulties with fine and gross motor control. Communication is key for helping your teacher be prepared to support your child.

2. Create partnerships to understand accommodations and available support.
Don't wait until something goes wrong to start the conversation with your school administrators. I can work with you to advocate for a 504 Plan or IEP (Individualized Education Plan). The first year back for kids that have been out of school is a challenge and adjusting can take some time. The plan will outline your child’s learning needs and sets specific goals for your child’s education. Accommodations that can considered include attending half days, having extra time to take a test, or having extra time to move from class to class. I can help you in meeting with the school to create a customized plan for your child. My contact information can be found below.

3. Find balance between academics, activities and home life.
​Sometimes parents try too hard to get back to "normal" after their child's cancer treatment. Kids are shuffled from school to soccer practice to dance to piano lessons. I often hear kids say, "I just want to be home." And, that's okay. This isn’t necessarily a sign that your child is experiencing social anxiety or that it's a setback. Keep tabs for whether that's the case or if the extra activities are too much. You don’t have to go, go, go to be “normal.”

​4. Don't spend hours on homework.
No, the kids didn't pay me to say that. I truly believe that kids shouldn't come home from a full day of school and spend hours on homework. Similar to the advice above, our kids need a break and the chance to be a kid again. Play a video game, go for a walk, or let them read. It's okay to step away from school work and to take a break. During ASK's weekly after school enrichment program, we incorporate both homework help/tutoring with a chance to play games and hang out with other kids who have been in their shoes. After school will start-up the first week of October. Click here if you're interested in learning more.

5. Strive high!
We must not do our children an injustice by expecting less from them because of their diagnosis or treatment. Parents sometimes shelter their child and don’t push them to reach their full potential. Striving high for them helps to create normalcy. 

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