“I’m just so upset. I had the worst day,” my eight-year-old cries out as we get home after a full day of school and baseball. We walk into the house and he immediately has a full-on meltdown over absolutely everything and anything that went wrong that day. He’s in third grade and he’s spent the last eight months preparing for the state testing they just completed. His teachers are incredible and no one has put pressure on him, but the pressure he puts on himself is tremendous. Not only is he physically exhausted from school, climbing trees, and digging in the dirt at the ball field, he’s also mentally checked out.
The end of school is the culmination of all the hard work he has done this past year, but for him, it’s a change of routine, way too much excitement, and a lot of emotions all rolled into one big tantrum when he comes home at night.
My third grader was diagnosed with severe ADHD and anxiety at the end of his kindergarten year. School has always been a struggle for him. He is constantly moving, talking, yelling, and generally just being excited about everything. I remember the first couple calls I received about his behavior and how much anxiety it would give me. Now, if I get a call from school, it honestly doesn’t surprise me. We have had many challenges along the way with school, but for the most part, as long as he’s in his groove and the routine stays the same, he can make it through the day. Like most kids, his emotions are laid out on his sleeve and he doesn’t hold back with how he feels. When I know it’s a holiday week, a birthday week, or really anything that’s not in his everyday schedule, there are more than likely going to be some notes from teachers saying that he was shouting out in class or couldn’t control himself. Not only are we at the peak of end of the year activities, but his birthday is on a school day where all I can do is pray that he has a great day and can be on his best behavior despite the excitement.
It’s so easy for him to get down on himself because he is constantly hearing “stop,” “don’t do that,” and “be quiet.” I pray that he knows that no matter what, his dad and I love him and are so proud of him. He’s made it another year in school and he’s almost in fourth grade! Every year comes with its own challenges, but there’s one thing I can say about my son: he doesn’t give up. He’s at an age where he’s noticing that he’s a little different from the other kids in the way he processes things and the way he handles his emotions; I hope so badly that he never views this as a hindrance. On the way to school each morning, he says, “I’m going to have a great day!” and I know he genuinely tries each day.
I couldn’t be more proud of our little guy and how hard he has worked this school year. 
My wish for my son, and all the kiddos ending the school year and starting the summer, is that they know how loved they are, and that it’s ok to have a bad day and a big cry. What matters is that they get up and try again the next day. I hope they know what an amazing job they’ve done this year even if they struggled and if the days weren’t always the best. I hope as his parent, I can be a safe space for him to always let out his frustration and fears, and I hope he knows just how amazing he really is.
