School Break Struggles: A President’s Week Reality Check for Special Needs Families

It’s President’s Week. Yes, our school district gives an entire week off for President’s Day

School is closed.
Therapies are paused.
Structure has quietly packed its bags and left the building.

And somehow…

…it’s only Thursday.

If you’re already exhausted, let’s start here:

You are not dramatic.
You are not failing.
You are not “bad at breaks.”

You are parenting without scaffolding.

And in a special needs home, that hits differently.

Why Weeks Like This Feel So Heavy

Our kids often thrive on predictability.

School provides:

• Structure
• Movement
• Therapy support
• Clear transitions
• A beginning and an end to the day

When that disappears, the weight shifts.

We become:

• The schedule
• The co-regulator
• The behavior support
• The transition manager
• The entertainment committee

Without backup.

Of course you’re tired.

A Little Real Life From My House

People talk about school breaks like they’re a gift. And in some ways, they are. But in our world, they’re also a full-contact sport. My boys have been off since their half day on Friday the 13th — which, honestly, feels a little on the nose. When routine disappears, I become the routine. The pacing gets louder. The energy shifts. My nervous system stays on high alert, and by mid-afternoon I’ve already lived a full day — and it’s only Wednesday.

As a single mom, there’s no tapping out. No tag team. No “your turn.” I sleep when they finally fall asleep, whenever that happens. I love my boys more than anything. I move mountains for them. And I’m absolutely counting down to Monday. Both things can be true.

So What Do We Do?

Not overhaul the week.
Not create a magical color-coded schedule.
Not pretend this is relaxing.

We shrink it.

1. Shrink the Timeline

Not the week.
Not even tomorrow.

Just the next hour.

Can we make it to lunch?
Can we make it through the grocery store, or should we just order in?
Can we make it to bedtime — whenever that is?

That’s enough.

2. Protect Your Nervous System

You cannot control sleep.
You cannot control meltdowns.
You cannot control pacing or dysregulation.

But you can:

• Step outside for two minutes of air
• Drink water before you’re depleted
• Sit down instead of hovering
• Lower your own voice intentionally

Regulation isn’t selfish. It’s strategic.

3. Lower the Bar

This is not enrichment week. This is survival-with-grace week.

Extra screen time? Fine.
Pizza for dinner? Absolutely.
Laundry waiting another day? It will live.

If everyone is safe, you are succeeding.

And Now, The Truth

If it’s Thursday, and you’re running on fumes, welcome.

You’re in the middle of endurance parenting.

Not the highlight reel.
Not the “cherish every second” speech.
The real thing.

You don’t have to enjoy every moment to be deeply devoted.
You don’t have to feel energized to be extraordinary.
You just have to keep showing up.

And you are.

One hour at a time.

I see you!

Monday is coming.