Going back to school can be stressful, especially for students with PC. However, with preparation, support, and understanding, returning to school does not have to be overwhelming.
Below are some tips from other people with PC and their parents in the PC community on how to make the transition back to school a smoother process for children and teenagers with PC.
Tips for elementary/primary age kids:
Before School Starts, if Possible
- Arrange to meet with the teacher in advance to discuss the child’s PC and help them understand how the condition may affect daily activities and support needs.
- Provide the teacher with a PC brochure from the PC Project website to help them access credible, accurate information about the condition. Consider sharing the PC Student Guide or another PC educational pamphlet as a helpful resource.
- Educate the teacher with the child present in a respectful and friendly way, helping to build understanding and encourage their support in creating a safe and inclusive environment for learning and development in both the classroom and playground.
- Explain important facts about PC:
- PC is not contagious.
- PC is unpredictable—one day a child may be able to walk or run, and another day (or even later that same day) they may not.
- The child may need to communicate with the teacher when they are experiencing pain or discomfort.
- Ask the teacher to acknowledge and thank the child for being honest about their limits. This can help the child feel safe communicating their needs in the future without fear of exclusion or negative consequences.
- Ask the teacher to help monitor for bullying and communicate with the family promptly if any concerns or issues arise.
- Be kind, respectful, and appreciative toward the teacher for supporting the child and helping create a positive school experience.
Planning for Activities & Accommodations
- Discuss potential accommodations for activities that involve extended periods of walking or standing. Offer to work together with the school to find solutions and help identify ways to support the child’s needs.
- Invite the teacher to ask the family or the child if they are unsure how to make an activity more accessible or how to provide appropriate support.
Supporting Your Child at Home
- Role-play with the child to practice simply explaining why their nails or skin may look different. This can help the child feel more prepared and answer classmates’ questions with confidence.
- Encourage the child to be a respectful and responsible student so the teacher can build trust and feel confident when the child communicates that they are unable to walk or participate in certain activities.
- Help the child succeed in school by asking about their day, reading together for enjoyment, and providing support with homework. These activities can help build important skills and confidence in the classroom.
Ongoing Parent Involvement
- Show appreciation to the teacher regularly, whether during parent-teacher conferences, holidays, or other appropriate times throughout the school year.
- Stay involved in the school community by volunteering in the classroom, helping with field trips, and attending school activities and presentations whenever possible.
- If the child’s PC is severe, help explore hobbies and interests that can be developed in a school setting without requiring a lot of walking or standing. Examples include chess club, choir, writing, reading, science club, playing musical instruments, swimming, and many other activities that allow children to build confidence, friendships, and new skills.
- Maintain a positive attitude about school and keep communication open with the child. Encouragement and ongoing conversations can help support confidence, address challenges, and create a positive school experience.
Tips For Middle and High School Kids
- Incorporate any helpful tips from the elementary/primary school section that also apply.
- If needed, work with the school to arrange class schedules that minimize walking distances between classrooms.
- Bring a lunch from home, if needed, to avoid standing in long lunch lines.
- Talk with teachers in advance to understand whether the curriculum includes activities that require a lot of walking or standing, so appropriate accommodations can be planned ahead of time.
- If physical education is required, consider discussing accommodations with the school or providing a doctor’s note if certain activities are not appropriate for PC.
- Find forms of physical activity that provide health benefits without causing foot pain.
- Do not be afraid to use a walking aid when it is needed. Using support can help make daily activities safer and more manageable.
- Instead of focusing only on what PC limits, focus on the many things that can be accomplished. There are many opportunities to explore and enjoy.
- Do your best in school. Working hard and developing skills can help create future opportunities, including careers that may not require long periods of standing or walking. Perfect grades are not required—what matters is trying your best.
- Be kind and respectful to classmates, teachers, and others at school. Building positive relationships can help create a supportive environment.
- Let personality, kindness, and strengths shine. A positive attitude can help others see the person beyond PC.
- Stay connected with the PC community. Meeting others with PC, including peers and older individuals, can help reduce feelings of isolation and create a sense of belonging.
- Remember that the opinions of people who judge based only on PC or appearance do not define personal worth.
- Look for friendships with people who make an effort to understand and support PC. True friends respect individual needs and abilities.
- Try to stay positive, even when living with PC feels challenging or unfair.
- If PC becomes emotionally difficult, talk with a parent, friend, or another trusted person about those feelings.
- Recognize the strengths and personal qualities that can develop from living with PC, such as resilience, empathy, and determination.
- Remember that school is only one part of life. Make the most of the experience and focus on the many opportunities ahead.
- Never forget that every person has great value. Although living with PC can be challenging, it does not prevent someone from having a happy, meaningful, and successful life.
Looking for ideas on how to answer the many questions that can come with having PC? Check out this helpful PDF shared by PCer Jurre, which was prepared by his parents to help him navigate the start of the school year and feel more confident talking about PC.
Share with us YOUR best tips for helping kids with PC going back to school!
