When School’s on Pause, Something Else Awakens

Hey family, it’s Michael, back again with a Tuesday message.

There’s this space between summer and school, no alarms, no backpacks, no car lines, just rhythm.

Summer camp ended, school hasn’t started, and right now we’re in that in-between stretch. It’s been equal parts beautiful and chaotic. But more than anything, it’s reminded us how meaningful these slower, unscheduled weeks can be.

Every family feels this pause differently.

For ours, it’s meant being present, working from home, adjusting the pace, and just embracing the mess of the moment.

And in the middle of it all… something unexpected happened.

Amanda, our youngest, has been showing us what empathy looks like in action.

She’s not even 4, but every day she’s been stepping up in small, powerful ways.

• If she’s eating, she wants to make sure her “Tata” (brother) eats.

• If she’s getting water, she checks if he wants some too.

• At bedtime, she gently asks if he’s okay before closing her eyes.

She’s not doing it because we asked. She’s doing it because love, when nurtured, finds its own voice.

And it reminded me, siblings are often the quiet heroes in families like ours.

There’s a lot of conversation about diagnoses, therapies, and school IEPs… but not enough about the siblings.

1. The ones who understand patience, difference, and compassion.

2. The ones who aren’t caregivers, but still care deeply.

3. Who are still kids, but somehow carry more.

This isn’t about putting pressure on siblings, not in our home, not ever.
It’s about witnessing what grows when love has space to breathe. And right now, we’re seeing Amanda flourish in that space.

In our home, we’re learning how each sibling plays a unique role.

If you’re thinking long-term too, here’s a piece we curated on something often overlooked: Writing a Letter of Intent for Your Special Needs Child. It’s not legal or formal, but it’s one of the most loving things a parent can leave behind.

So if you’re navigating this same season, that stretch between camp and school, between planning and pausing, know that there’s meaning in this in-between.

The quiet weeks matter. The unscheduled days still shape something powerful.

P.S. If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join our newsletter community. Real stories, real moments, no fluff. Subscribe Here!

Kind Regards,
Michael Pereira
Dad I Advocate I Founder of The Autism Voyage®

Parent Tip of the Week:

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If you’re looking for reliable coaches, educational guides, travel pros, or parent-focused resources, we’re building something just for that.

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Planning ahead isn’t about perfection. It’s about protecting what matters most.

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