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Back to School 2014

Thank God for Good Teachers

September 4, 2014 By Lena

No really, it’s okay for me to thank God, because I’m Catholic. So it’s not blasphemy or anything.

And today I’m thanking Him for good teachers. Because if you’ve been following my blog, you’ll know that I own a sweet little guy with a social anxiety disorder. (Remember this post?)

Getting him diagnosed was half the battle, and when we did, I spent a lot of time describing the condition to his teachers and school helpers – trying to communicate in a succinct way that he’s fully capable of speaking, but in social situations, he often chooses not to.

(In other words, so NOT like his mama.)

Hence, with a brand new school year and a brand new school, it was my responsibility to find some time to have a quick chat with his teacher. Warn her, if you will! You know, just casually inform that there’s a super cute kid who’s super smart and super silly but may have a problem borrowing a pencil crayon from a classmate. Even though he has no problem ripping it from his little brother’s hands. *shakes fist*

Well, this afternoon, I decided to break the news to his teacher, who had three full days to spend with him and therefore, would have likely cottoned on to the anxious kid with light-up shoes. (Empire Strikes Back shoes y’all! Totally bought them for my own perverse enjoyment.)

RyderI began the conversation with “So, how’s his anxiety?” – as if we had already had an in depth discussion about it and she knew all about his behavioural history. It was either that, or say: “You don’t know me, but I have a kid whom I can’t relate to and I kind of want to give you money because you take him off my hands for hours each day and I know you don’t know me from Adam but I’m putting all of my eggs in your basket with the hope you can make him talk at school cause Lord knows (again, not blasphemy) that he talks too much at home.” Riight… not happening. So let’s just say I was pretty happy with my opening.

However, within moments of chatting with her, she asked, “Is he a selective mute?” 

Hand on heart, I almost cried on the spot. Then I wanted to break out in a dance of joy. And I even briefly considered pausing and buying an expensive handbag online, because these moments of kismet need to be celebrated and nothing marks the occasion like Marc Jacobs.

After years of trying to describe his social disorder to teachers, parents, friends, strangers, you name it! …

Here was someone who understood. Who spoke Ryder’s language… even when he doesn’t speak.

I nodded my head enthusiastically and rushed to tell her everything I could about Ryder and his social quirks. And, by the end of our conversation, I walked away with a skip in my step, knowing that he will undoubtedly get the help he needs to emerge from his shell this year. I’m so happy! Thank God for great teachers.

p.s. That’s Ryder on his first day. Those eyes! Love him to pieces.

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Back to School 2014, Selective Mutism, social anxiety disorder

Back to School: If I Could Turn Back Time

August 24, 2014 By Lena

It happens every August. The flyers circulate; the commercials repeat, the clothes beckon. And for just about two minutes I wish I was returning to school. I see myself packing a stiff new backpack filled with sharpened pencils and spiral notebooks. I marvel at the texture of brand new erasers and the firm snap of three-ring binders. I make a promise to pack my bag every night, instead of struggling to jam things together in the morning.

I miss back to school. 

And the feelings of nostalgia only become more intense as I witness the parade of über stylish, über cool binders, notebooks, organizational tools, locker accessories, lunch bags and more. So I got to thinking… what if I could turn back time? What if I could choose my back to school supplies – but have the benefit of this year’s technology, fashion and functionality? Here’s what I’d select.

Fashion FixYes folks, the ombre trend has migrated from tresses to notebooks! And I could be happier – especially since it’s combined with neon and animal prints, also hot for 2014. It’s the trilogy of trends! And glitter binders? Sign me up. …

Read More

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: ACCO, Back to School 2014, back to school trends, Hilroy

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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