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Be Involved
It’s Okay to Be Emotional
prepared. You might feel excited for them to experience this new milestone. Or, you might feel nostalgic thinking about how quickly they have grown up. Any or all of these emotions are perfectly normal, but remember this: That small hand you struggle to let go of at the start of the day will be the same one waving excitedly at you at the end of it.
Perhaps even more important than teaching the basics is being an advocate for your child. Being an advocate can mean things like giving your child’s teacher pertinent information on allergies, learning styles, or educational accommodations; meeting with administration and the school nurse to establish professional relationships; asking questions about unfamiliar processes; and knowing your child’s educational rights. Every child has a right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), so if your child needs extra time on tests or additional materials to help understand content, communicate with your local Parent Training and Information Center to find an advocate who can assist you with these types of accommodations. Another key way to get involved in your child’s education is to volunteer in the classroom when you can. This can help you stay involved in your child’s education and forge a bond with your child’s educators.
With all of these changes, one of the most important things to remember is that it is okay for you to be emotional. Whether you are sending your first, third, or eighth kid off to school, the situation is bound to stir up deeper emotions. You might feel stressed because you aren’t sure that they are fully
PrepareYour Garden
Autumn Steps for a Better Spring Garden
With fall just ahead, it’s a good time to think about your spring garden. For a beautiful garden next year, begin preparing this fall. Here are a few ways to get a head start! Planting Bulbs If you want beautiful flowers in April, you should start planting bulbs now. Many flower bulbs need to be in the ground before winter settles in; this helps activate the bulbs’ biochemical process that allows them to bloom. Getting the bulbs into the ground before it freezes allows their roots to grow deep enough to protect them from the biting winter weather. Among the flower bulbs you should plant soon are tulips, daffodils, irises, and hyacinths. Chicken Wire After you’ve planted your bulbs, there’s a risk that uninvited guests will dig them up. There are a few ways you can ensure that your bulbs remain undisturbed throughout the fall. One way is to place chicken wire over your bulbs after they’ve been planted. This
keeps rodents from digging them up and allows the plants to grow through the gaps in the wire. Keep Your Garden Tidy Once you’ve harvested your best fruits and vegetables, go back through and harvest the rest, even if you don’t plan to eat them. Make sure your garden is clear of old vegetables, fallen leaves, and weeds. Leaving decaying plants in or on top of the ground can spread diseases into the soil and attract unwanted pests to your garden. Healthy Soil Pulling up weeds and all of your vegetables can help keep the earth free from rotting plants, but there are other steps you can take to ensure that your soil stays full of nutrients. Pick up a kit to test the pH levels of your soil. Most gardens thrive in soil with a pH of 6.5. Add compost to your soil supply now to give it time to break down during the winter months.
2 • swbwlawfirm.com
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