Every year, when IEP season approaches, parents everywhere feel a familiar mix of nerves, hope, and exhaustion. Even when things have been going well… even when you know the team supports your child, even when you’ve done this before…
The stress still hits.
And that’s okay.
Because the IEP process isn’t just paperwork.
It’s emotional.
It’s personal.
It’s your child.
Let’s talk about how to prepare not just with documents, but with your mind and heart, too.
Why IEP Season Is So Emotional
As parents, we carry every fear, every question, every hope, every “Are we doing enough?”
Walking into an IEP meeting means hearing data about your child, their strengths, but also their struggles. It means advocating even when you’re tired. It means listening to professionals talk about someone you love more than anything in the world.
And that alone is enough to make any parent’s heart race.
Our Story
Before our son’s annual reviews, my wife and I always felt the shift.
It wasn’t the meeting itself—it was the buildup.
The anticipation.
The wondering what the team saw this year.
The hoping they truly understood him.
Even though I’m an educator and have attended many IEP meetings professionally, sitting in that room as a parent is a different experience.
It’s heavier.
It’s real.
And it reminds you that you’re not just advocating—you’re protecting.
How Parents Can Prepare Emotionally
Here are the strategies that helped us and that I share with other families:
1. Give Yourself Time to Process
Don’t wait until the day before the meeting to open the paperwork.
Read it early.
Sit with it.
Come back to it.
Your brain and heart need time.
2. Write Down Your Thoughts
It’s easier to advocate when you’ve organized what you want to say.
Write down:
• Concerns
• Wins
• Questions
• Anything that doesn’t sit right
• Anything that makes you proud
You don’t have to rely on memory in the moment.
3. Remember: You Are the Expert on Your Child
Teachers and specialists know education.
But you know your child.
Your insight matters—and the team needs it.
4. Bring Support
Your spouse, partner, family member, or trusted friend can sit in.
Even if they don’t speak, their presence strengthens you.
5. Do Something Kind for Yourself
IEP season can drain you.
Small things help:
• Take a walk
• Listen to calming music
• Make time to breathe
• Give yourself grace
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Printable: Parent Self-Care Checklist for IEP Season
Here is your simple, printable checklist — you can add this directly to your blog post for parents to use:
Parent Self-Care Checklist (IEP Season)
Before the Meeting:
- Read the draft IEP early
- Write down questions
- Highlight concerns and positives
- Talk with your spouse/partner
- Ask for clarification on anything confusing
The Week of the Meeting:
- Get extra rest
- Plan something relaxing the night before
- Prepare your notes
- Pack water, snacks, or anything calming
- Remind yourself: You are your child’s best advocate
Day of the Meeting:
- Eat something beforehand
- Take deep breaths before entering
- Bring your notes & a pen
- Pause if you feel overwhelmed
- Celebrate yourself afterward
You’re Doing More Than You Think
Parents rarely give themselves credit for the emotional work they carry.
You show up.
You learn.
You ask questions.
You love fiercely.
You advocate even when you’re tired.
That is a strength.
That is courage.
That is what makes the difference.
Your Turn
How does IEP season make you feel?
What helps you stay calm or organized?
Share your thoughts in the comments — your advice might be the encouragement another parent needs today.
Coming Up Next…
In my next post, I’ll be writing:
“When Your Child Surprises You: Celebrating the Unexpected Wins.”
A heartfelt reminder that progress often shows up when we least expect it—sometimes in the smallest, most beautiful moments.
