In this episode, the end of school year special, we talk a bit about neurodivergents and the grief that goes with transitions and endings.
Often times we assume our kids are happy at the end of the school year! But if you are a neurodivergent (ND) or are raising a ND kid, you know endings can come with a whirlwind of “behaviors” which lead us to have a deeper conversation about the emotional complexity of transitions.
I know for myself, when I was a child, I felt deep sorrow having to say good- bye to my friends and teachers. I liked the stability of school and the structure of the school day even if I didn’t always love school.
And now as I watch my own children grow, I recognize those uncomfortable places of sadness and confusion in relation to the end of the school year.
This year it the intensity has been even more consuming because our 11 year old and 15 year old are changing schools! We’ve had to tune into the spectrum of emotion because they are feeling the effects of all the change going on around them.
So while we may want to believe the end of school year means everyone is celebrating, make sure you tune into your child. Create a safe space for them to explore the way THEY are experiencing their endings and beginnings! There is no right way to move through grief, change, and transformation.
More so, with a child on the way the way to high school we must help him by acknowledging how difficult this change can be. I think it’s easy to assume kids are “ready” for high school or ready for change. But when we raise neurodivergents, often times there is disconnect between how they navigated their life prior to high school and how they must show up in their lives in this phase of their growth.
I know for me, I feel more stress when, as a parent, I forget that my kid doesn’t have the context I do as an adult. Just because I already went through high school and young adulthood doesn’t mean my child knows how to do so.
Furthermore, I have to remind myself that I am a safe place for my child to make mistakes, be confused, and have permission to not know and not have answers! There is so much [new] pressure as they embark on young adulthood. I am excited for my child as he discovers new parts of himself while also reminding him to stay true to who he is.
Which is why this phase feels so intense to me as a parent! It’s almost like having a new born all over again! Because there is a threshold of newness emerging from this place of uncertainty and grief. It is how we know we are ready to leave old parts of us behind in order to welcome this new experience with open arms.
Long story short, it’s a lot! As a parent, and children, and families. It’s so much change and mystery. It’s so much wonder, and unpredictability. In order to support our children we must embrace all of the madness that goes with this change!
So to all of our fellow parents and families, we see you. You’re doing amazing. Remember to be the safe place for your child (and your partner!) and most important, enjoy your summer. Move with the ups and downs of the grief and excitement! You are doing an incredible job!
Tok soon!
Robin & Michael
_________
We are still offering Sigil Art through the summer! If you are interested in booking a session with Robin & Michael to create a personalized piece of Sigil Art feel free to
e- mail me. Here is an example of sigil art below with the client’s review:
Had this amazing birth chart reading done by Robin at Tapestry of Motherhood and Mick Kay for this amazing sigil design based on the outcome. Reach out to Robin Korejko if you would like one for yourself or a loved one! Super accurate, if you know me, it speaks volumes. - JL
Share this post