Here We Go

Summer is over and the kids are all back at school. It is easy to get overwhelmed and anxious while trying to manage the school routines and dealing with the daily challenges of MS. It is best to be organized so that you have time to recover when symptoms worsen and take a toll on you during school days. Here are some ideas to make your life easier if you have school going children:

  • Set a routine: All the routines go haywire once the summer break starts. Adjust the bedtime routines at least a week before school starts. This will help the kids to get their body clocks adjusted and make the mornings much easier. Discourage screen time right before bed as it may affect sleep patterns.
  • Schedule physicals: Get all the annual physicals and immunizations done and updated for school records. Schools often require all medical paperwork and waivers to be completed before joining any sport in the new year.
  • School supplies: Kids require a ton of supplies each year so make sure to visit the store early in the summer before the stocks start running low and the aisles get more crowded. Do not forget to use coupons, cashback, and promotional codes when possible.
  • Meal prepping: It is wise to plan meals ahead of time. Create lunch menus with the kids ensuring that they get to eat a variety of nutritious and balanced meals. Buy precut fruits and vegetables as it saves both time and energy. Use gadgets like instant pots and slow cookers. It is a good idea to make meals in big batches, divide the portions and freeze for later.
  • Dairy: Maintain a dairy that you can use to keep track of school events and other extracurricular activities. There are also apps that you can download on your smartphone that will serve the same purpose.

Following these helpful ideas will help the whole family to ease the transition from summer break to school.  As a parent with MS, you will be able to establish a sense of order in your family and have time to take care of your health as well.

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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

YAY- It’s Fall Y’all.  This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is delicious!   Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee and savor the pumpkin spice flavor.  This is sure to be a hit at Fall gatherings with friends and family.  To be honest, I love to have a slice in the quiet morning when I am the only one awake sitting on my porch with my pumpkin spice coffee. 

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Today Is the Best Day to Learn Something New

Here we go! Another school year has arrived with endless possibilities and great potential. Whether you have little ones that are starting a new school year, or you are attending school yourself, adjusting to the new schedule can be challenging. Starting a new school year can be stressful, but it can be exciting as well.

For parents and guardians of children with a diagnosis of MS, starting a new school year can be anxiety-provoking. We may have an endless list of what-if scenarios and worry about our child’s safety and well-being while away. What if the new teacher doesn’t understand my child’s needs? What if my child has an accident or does not feel well at school? And what if their symptoms get in the way of their academic progress? This worry is completely normal. Every child is unique, and children with a diagnosis of MS are no different. While some children experience mild symptoms of MS, others may experience symptoms that impact their learning. Pediatric MS may affect their cognitive functioning and their social lives as well. Neuropsychological testing may be helpful when working with the child’s school to request school accommodations such as a 504 Plan or Individual Education Plan (IEP). These plans ensure that K–12 students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in an academic setting. Making certain accommodations will allow your child to be a child and thrive academically. For additional information, you may visit the U.S. Department of Education website.

Going to college or university is a time full of excitement and new beginnings. MS does not have to hold you back from doing everything that college has to offer. Pace yourself, and balance work and school with rest and self-care. Stay active, eat some greens, and keep that stress in check. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them. Being realistic with our expectations can certainly help us manage unattainable goals. Learn about MS symptoms and allow yourself permission to manage them without judgment. Learn about resources that may be available on your campus and advocate for accommodations you may need. All colleges and universities have disability services and/or student services that can provide guidance and support. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those students who can show documentation of their diagnosis and specific needs. Disclosing your diagnosis is your choice and responsibility to share as you see fit. For more information, you may visit the U.S. Department of Education website.

School can be memorable for all the right reasons, regardless of age. Get up, get ready, and go! Today is the best day to learn something new.

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Lifelong Learning

By Stacie Prada

When the kids return to school, traffic patterns change and I may follow the school bus on my morning commute to work.  There are fewer tourists in my town and fewer colleagues away on vacation. Stores and ad campaigns feature school supplies and products useful for students going back to school. “Back to School” season is a terrific annual reminder that learning doesn’t end after finishing school. I consider how much lifelong learning I’ve done and hope to attempt, the possibilities grow, and I’m motivated to plan more.

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Back to the Grind 

Going back to school is filled with excitement, and possibly fear. Depending on what grade or level of schooling you’re about to enter. I know the feelings of starting a new school year but have not yet experienced it from a parent’s perspective, until now. And boy, is it tough. 

As I pack up my little girl to go to her first day of daycare, I can’t help but think to myself how is she going to feel without me? Will she think I abandoned her? Will she know that I am coming back? I know every parent has a feeling of extreme guilt when dropping their child off at a place that is unknown and possibly scary to them, even if it is in their best interest. Here are a couple things I did to calm myself down, stay present, keep my thoughts organized, and most importantly STAY POSITIVE. 

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