Anne Addison's book "One Small Starfish: A Mother's Everyday Advice, Survival Tactics & Wisdom for Raising a Special Needs Child" is what I'm reading now. There are some great lessons in the book that nicely relate to the Thames Academy transitional year. Here is one:
"There have been a number of activities that seemed on paper, like they would be a perfect fit for Jack, but did not work out as planned. It is important for you, as a parent, to be supportive of what your child is doing but maintain your perspective. Remember, it is your child's activity..." (p. 127)Make sure Thames Academy staff and your student's academic advisor know whatever your son/daughter is interested in or passionate about. Knowing this will help us match the activities offered on campus to your son/daughter's interests. If Mitchell College doesn't yet have an established student club on the topic, Thames Academy can design a weekend trip or small group activity. You and the academic advisor can work as a team with a similar plan to encourage your child to meet new people and engage in their passions.
However, sometimes despite what seems like a perfect fit, your son/daughter may resist becoming involved in an activity that you know they enjoy. Instead of thinking they are being intentionally defiant or reclusive perhaps there is another reason for their hesitation:
Your son/daughter might not want to get involved because:
-Sharing a personal passion with other strangers can be scary
-Attending a club meeting in a new building for the first time can cause anxiety
-Students may feel pressure from parents, advisor, etc. to get involved and they want to be involved when they are ready
-Students may feel intimidated by one or more members of the group
- Students may feel overwhelmed by other changes/transitions and attending an activity will add to their anxiety
Being involved in a hobby/passion while at Thames may help some students become acclimated to campus more quickly. Fun activities can be a distraction from short-term stress and homesickness and a self-esteem boost for students who feel confident while bowling, riding horses, playing video games, etc.
However, other students may need more time to settle into the Thames Academy experience. Adding an extra activity or club meeting may be too much to handle. If you have any questions or concerns about how your child can get involved in extracurricular interests, feel free to reach out to your child's academic advisor. As always, you know what has worked in the past and you know your son/daughter best!
