Mikko is going to SCHOOL!!

[@DonnaDiane74]

I love her sassy confident walk. Lol 😍 This little girl tries so hard. She really gives life 100%. God bless her and the family, and pour out a little something extra for Precious, who gives 1000%. ❤🙏🏾

[@Danielleb723]

Mikko is going to do great in school. She is very smart and then you can have a little time to yourself.

[@thegentlelife]

@danielleb723 Thank you so much! I know she will and I don’t even know what I’ll do when she goes but I’ll make sure to make the most of it ❤

[@gfjzzu7347]

I'm a kangaroo, what a little genius. He just doesn't know how to talk. He just screams. Having other children only slows him down. Because he will need much more time to dedicate himself to it

[@pamburg5478]

@@thegentlelife your my inspiration…❤

[@SadBeauty]

​@@thegentlelife The school won't take my son because he not potty trained or talking they said I told them he had autism they just told me sorry. He makes sounds an syllables he don't know how to communicate or comprehend things 😢

[@medwards3219]

​@SadBeauty, how old is he? Where do you live?

[@Izzy-cp8yt]

Since you have some time before she starts school, I highly recommend seeing if you and Mikko can visit her school and tour it so she can see everything, meet her teacher, etc. While you're there take pictures of everything, and you can make your own social story (there are templates online, or you can make your own). Being able to show her pictures of everything and read a story that shows "this is my school. this is my teacher, miss Sarah. this is where I put my coat. This is where I eat lunch. This is where I play at recess" etc can help her transition when the time comes, since everything will be more familiar and she'll have a "roadmap" of sorts so she knows what to expect. I'm sure it won't fix everything, but it might help alleviate some ambiguity or uncertainty for her.

[@lindywheeler4192]

Great idea!

[@SolunaV]

That is an amazing idea

[@BsTheLadynred]

My daughter's school had a day prior that we all came and checked out the class etc.

[@tamaradavis]

Amazing suggestion and you’re totally Awesome for sharing this with her!❤

[@sabrinawhite7185]

What a great idea!

[@debbiecrum7585]

She will be around other peers and it will be a great experience. She will learn from the other kids.

[@scutoid-backrooms]

not to mention what they'll learn from mikko

[@sherri777744]

I was a special education teacher. I know Mikko will do well. After all her testing is done, an individualized education plan (IEP) will be written just for her. You will be called in to learn of the plans fir her. REMEMBER: Even if a plan has been prepared for her, you as a parent can add to or modify needs that you feel she needs. Educating Mikko is now a joint effort. I know you will advocate for her. That is your right. And know that when placed in an educational setting, children tend to mimic each other in terms of daily procedures. She will do fine! ❤🎉😊

[@debra1697]

You and Mikko are going to do great 👍🏾

[@sherri777744]

You have to prepare her for fire drills. The fire alarm bells will frighten her because they are extremely loud and long to evacuate the whole school. Ask teachers what can be done to help her deal with this. They may have some ideas before that day comes.

[@janicewashington4318]

Yes she will 😊

[@SolunaV]

Mikko has been making so much progress! She even answered questions and she is using her words more and more. I loved to see how she chose her own backpack etc she has a cute and adorable style which fits her so well🩷

[@jeanreid1122]

Loved seeing her excitement (jumping and spinning) over her backpack.

[@pippathomas5019]

Yeah, you could really tell which one she preferred! The lunchbox as well, I could tell she hadn't found the right one with the unicorn. She held onto it but she was still looking, lol! She is just blossoming, kind of a gentle smack to those who keep doubting your dedication to your children...💞💞💞

[@myrthasmascary4086]

You r a great mom hope Mikko enjoy

[@davidetaylor2173]

Be encouraged mom

[@angelabrown3994]

Think Mikko likes shopping. Pray that going to school will be a very positive experience for her.

[@coverstreet2009]

I love seeing Mikko. We have autistic twin boys (now aged 9) and Mikko reminds me so much of one of them at that age. At that age, one was somewhat verbal, and went to a regular school, not the nearest one, but the nearest one that had programs for him. The second, like Mikko, was entirely non-verbal. He got sent to a special school run by the state. 30 minutes on the bus one way. We saw his behavior change quite a bit, and unfortunately none of it was positive, he would act out a LOT. At first we hoped it was just because of the change in routine, and the exhaustion of being on the road for so long every day. Then we started to hear through back-channels at the school that he wasn't being treated well -- being locked in a padded room for refusing food (due to ARFID), for not being able to understand or follow directions too complex for him, for attempting to elope (as many with autism do), or for simply flapping his arms. We removed him from that school and started home-schooling. The following year, we removed the other twin from his school when their programs and approach changed to something that wasn't helpful to him. It's a lot of work (mostly on my poor wife) but the twins are happy and healthy and *learning*, and the non-verbal twin, while he only has a few sentences he can articulate, now has a ton of words he can say. I really hope your and Mikko's experience is different. You just make sure you are watching closely and holding them accountable.

[@tamaradavis]

I love this comment and the fact that you shared ❤!!!

[@saundraking7168]

Wow! Have a great and safe time in school Mikko! We are all very proud of The Gentle Life getting her to this point!

[@jenmiller9673]

Aww how sweet. We went through the same with my grandson. My daughter had a few appointments and a lot of paper work to do to prepare her autistic son for school. It’s now his second year. The bus picks him up and drops him off at home. He’s now in the second grade They have a class with only ten students and a teacher with 7 aids available for the children. She’ll be just fine. Watch her grow and learn. It’s an amazing feeling.

[@CatherineGreen-ko3pl]

Look at Mikko. The girl is going to school. So proud of her and you also Mom.

[@purewing4933]

I'M PRAYING MIKKO WILL BE SAFE AND HAVE WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES INTERACTING WITH HER PEERS AND LEARNING. I HOPE SHE HAS AMAZING TEACHERS LIKE HER MOM. PRECIOUS YOURE SO PATIENT AND LOVING WITH MIKKO. GOD BLESS YOU, MIKKO, AND YOUR FAMILY🙏♥️♥️♥️🙏

[@christjesusis1]

Mikko is such a big girl! I’m excited for her…I stand with you in prayer 🙏🏻 She’s going to have a successful school year💕

[@tanyastaten6931]

I stand with you in prayer also.

[@beulahdukes]

Ohwwweee wow 😊. What a big girl. Enjoy the other children and lessons Mikko. I’m praying for you Baby girl 😊❤

[@muskogeeokie3176]

You have worked diligently to prepare her for school.

[@lindacherry579]

I wish Mikko much success in school. Cute backpack she picked out for herself. She's so cute! I pray that she will do well in school in the precious and mighty name of Jesus! 🙏🏽💕

[@c.t.murray3632]

You both have done a wonderful job raising your children. I wish Miko lots of fun and happiness in her new school days. She looks like she's ready for some fun.

[@deniseyoung5385]

Trust me as a mom who has been through this with 3 kids who are all on the Autism spectrum, this will be the biggest best thing for her. Just keep open communication with her teachers and therapists, form a team with them and keep continuity between school and home. Remember that progress might be small and sometimes there’s going to be 3 steps back for every step forward… and that is 100% ok! I am literally fighting back happy tears right now trying to type this. My youngest daughter was nonverbal until around 8 or 9, and she is 10 & 1/2 now and communicating so much more. She’s still learning how to talk and how to listen, and we have our good days and our bad days, but the difference that school (she started at 4) has made has been enormous and life changing. Mikko will do great. You give her the patience and the love that she needs to grow and that will always be the best thing you can do to help her be successful. Just remember that you are allowed to feel all the feels. It’s going to be great. ❤

[@glendadavis850]

Yeah for Miko. I think she will do great! Mom kudos to you and Miko is so darn cute!

[@sherihinton8183]

So proud of Mikko! She’s gonna do great.

[@LynelleL-c2y]

She was so sweet. The "big school girl" shopping. She seemed to enjoy it.

[@supermanlove1162]

Oh my gosh! I have watched her since she was a baby. Look at her! She's going to school! She makes thru improving progress! I'm so proud of you and her. It makes me cry bc she's growing up and going to school. Please do not take youtube down. I would love to watch her to grow and how she is doing in school!

[@kathyjohnson2043]

Every video I hear a few more words (Go, Brush, Yeah, Bye bye...) and I hear more conversational tone and cadence interacting with you. Give her a big hug from all of us!

[@debracrosby3660]

I worked with autistic adults. I have learned lots from you. Know you are a awesome person and a good and patient mother.

[@jenniferespute1370]

Mikko is going to do well as time goes by. Good luck guys. Blessings and love. ❤🙏🇯🇲

[@ItsMaddie0]

I’m 🇯🇲 to 💕

[@userhfsejhf]

You're doing so great Precious...I realize this is hardest on you...she will do 👍 great...no one expects perfection and no melt downs...taught sp.ed. long enough...she's gonna be great...lots of new doors open for her...and you better use the time she's in school for YOU...congratulations...this is huge...I know🤗🥰👏👏👏❤️❤️💜

[@cathythurlkill7977]

Hi, I’m an elementary Special Ed teacher as well and I agree with others who say she will be fine at school!! Just a suggestion here - prioritize time for yourself daily, relax during school hours and let her teachers shoulder the responsibility of providing instruction. Looking forward to new adventures ❤❤❤

[@suzannebauer6234]

She reminds me so much of my son, who is also on the spectrum and non-verbal. Watching you reminds me I'm not alone and other Mommas out there understand

[@francesyucedag7165]

Mikko will shine. Her joy is infectious. Happy little girl. ❤❤❤

[@karmencurry5955]

Mikko will do great! Best wishes on her journey.

[@oni1983]

Mikko has great taste, those bags are pretty!!!! ❤

[@e.p.holmes2237]

Yayy! I wish Mikko and family would have been in my classroom.🥰 Have Fun Mikko. Mom n dad, Don't Hesitate to ask questions, make suggestions during placement or IEP process.💜 🙏

[@lynnbonseigneur1366]

She is just growing and so proud of her and she is blessed to have the parents she has. She is going to be great❤

[@Justice-1988]

I’m so proud of Mikko❤❤❤ I love her so much. I’m crying she’s growing up so fast and already talking school is bittersweet 🥹🥹

[@jessicaconley2212]

Did you guys have any luck with the thumb guards? I thought they were good in the one video, but I don't remember seeing them again. Good luck at school, Mikko! We're rooting for you!❤🎉

[@rissap1914]

So proud of you, all you have done for Mikko . Mikko has progressed because of you and her family . Keep protecting her .

[@shirlsworld7]

Gosh I have loved watching Mikko grow up❤

[@Dmarie0126]

A new journey! Best wishes, Mikko! I'm proud of you already.

[@esther6172]

Happy School Mikko! Have Fun!! ❤🥰

[@iamlaporsha]

That hair moment was so tender and her little thank you squill when you helped with her shoe was o sweet! The shoes will help her with fine motor development! And she definitely needs a Target brand deal because now I want to get up and go see what I can find! You're doing so good mom!

[@sarahs1849]

Mikko will do so well in school, I'm a mother of three boys who have Autism and when my oldest went to school he hardly knew his own name. He never asked questions, he never even answered questions half the time. Now I can't get him to stop talking 😂❤

[@LM-bb9zb]

Awesome video! I'm so happy for Mikko! She's excited for herself as well. Great job mom. Keep on pushing 💝🫂🙏

[@murrir6110]

I loved that she was shopping. It was just like a big girl.

[@fishfish7070]

So excited for her!! 💛

[@genuinejay7696]

I love the level of patience mommy has 😊❤

[@domajoh]

I am sooooo excited!! What a MAJOR milestone!! ♥️ ♥️ ♥️

[@melodylamour6123]

New milestones for Mikko and for you too, mama. Hugs! Great job, you too.

[@sarahally2821]

Congrats Mikko, well done! All the doors will open for you!!

[@donpie9248]

You're such a wonderful mom Precious.. You're great with her. ❤️ ❤️

[@dorabort6622]

You are a wonderful mother and Mikko is a sweet little girl. I pray the lord will bless your family always!

[@elinorwashington8510]

Look at Miko picking out her own backpack go head Miko, she ready for school, Yeay Miko❤

[@katherineking3174]

The LORD is all around you and her!!! Blessings and His Strength and Peace!!!

[@HadassahIsrael97]

I’m so excited 😆 for her, coming from a parent with a child who struggles talking and firming sentences, im sure with her being around other kids getting extra help with be of great benefit to her, and also I’m happy for you mom because you can get a break some time to unwind

[@robinjackson7535]

So happy for Mikko, she will do great.

[@utubechannel3846]

Good for Mikko and good for you! Mikko will be around other children and will learn to socialize more, she will learn so many new things. You will benefit from more time for yourself and other things that you will be able to do. Best wishes for you all!

[@reneishabrooks5187]

So good to see how far she's come and with you preparing her at home, I can see her doing well in school.

[@KhrystynVanessa]

Yay Mikko!!! I was nervous too when my son (who’s also autistic and nonverbal) went to preschool. He’s now in kindergarten and it’s an adjustment but he is doing good. You have a whole community supporting you and Mikko ❤❤❤

[@ravenharris_xoxo]

I was so happy watching this video. I am actually a preschool teacher assistant for almost 8 years now. To see the excitement on Mikko's face when you talked about her going to see brought joy to my heart. This is a new adventure for her to continue to learn independent, make new friends and overall make a positive impact on this world!!!! Sending so much love

[@breemiller5164]

Mikko has her own since of style...I love it. I pray Mikko has a great & productive school year. May God watch over her and calm your fears.

[@reginaeverett6974]

Aww she will do good around other kids and god has her

[@selidialagrone5037]

You both are amazing beautiful people!! She will do great as you will also. In the beginning you will more than likely have some anxiety but as you see her progress, you would be so thankful that she’s in School. Love your platform and your family. ❤

[@kellivega28]

I'm so excited for her! Yay Mikko!!

[@loralissasmith]

Wow sweet little soul She has come such a long way mom You should be so proud of yourself as well as her. I'm sure she'll get used to the environment and of course she'll have good day and not so good days But all in all You will support and survive and she will too Many blessings 🙌🏾 🙏🏽

[@veneciawooding6797]

I hope Mikko has a great school year. She is so cute and excited buying school supplies. ❤

[@wulphg4282]

I am so proud of Nikko and you guys! I luv how you let her pick out some of her own things, especially those that she is going to have with her all the time! She is the sweetest girl and expresses herself much better! Your patience is always an amazing thing to see ! Keep it up and happy school year next year!! Will you be practicing things with her at school, like the nap time, and lunch time?

[@naturallydunn3325]

Why I wave when Mikko said bye bye. She can’t see me 😂

[@charronrose68]

Me too

[@queengee5282]

Lol😂

[@carolklein8049]

Omg mikko is so sooooo cute choosing her own school bag and wearing it in the store ❤

[@ericaaubie860]

Her going to school is a good thing it will help her grow.

[@remiakintoye7789]

You and your family are doing a brilliant job of raising our beautiful, smart and funny Mikko. I love seeing her progress and just know she will do well in school.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

This is wonderful news! ❤ Looking forward to Mikko's new journey. 😍

[@iteriatodd3838]

Hope you enjoy school Mikko. ❤And mom stay calm, you have been a great teacher yourself.

[@jackierandle8412]

I'm excited for Mikko! You are doing a wonderful job with her! Praying for you all.🙏🏽

[@Gifted29]

Yes , be her biggest advocate. Mikko need your support. Grace and Peace, more Blessings

[@katrinacovington6256]

How exciting! Mikko will do well in school. Great job, family!

[@chermar6535]

Yeahhhh Go Mikko you’re gonna do great in school.

[@millielawrence901]

It was fun seeing her pick out the items that she like the backpack and the lunchbox that was so cute. She’s happy with that. Great mom good job.

[@carensprewellcarey3891]

Hi Mikko! I just love her. I'm a Special Education Supervisor, and I so excited for her.

[@ramonaschuler4134]

Mikko is a TRUE Girly Girl and was too cute with her backpack and lunchbox. You GO GIRL!!❤❤❤

[@keg265]

Congratulations Mikko🎉❤🥰🫶🙏!!!!

[@shurondaadkins5944]

So excited for her❤ I think she is going to do wonderful because she is around children her age and children learn from each other I learned that as a preschool teacher.

[@sdb9317]

Mikko will do well in school ..I am glad she will be with other children her age..You and your husband stand back and watch her grow and go!!!You got this Mikko ❤

[@shameldavid1284]

I am so happy for Mikko. She is gonna make so much more progress in school. You have done a wonderful job so far. Now you have some help. You can take a breathe now

[@Dailyteen221]

Im excited to see how she does at school i know shes gomma be imcredible vause yall are out here doing the most getting her ready

[@laurathomas578]

You’re doing great mom! She may progress more by being with kids her own age. God’s got you! 🙏🏽❤️🥰

[@glennfields8121]

Precious, I have to tell you that I find Mikko such an adorable child and mostly because you are such an adorable mom. Although I'm 71, I just love watching your channel to see you, Mikko, the twins and Chris to se Mikko's progress and growth. She has your beauty but there is no denying that she is the female version of Chris as just looking at her face you see Chris. I always love Mikko's hair and your choice of her clothes. She made me smile and laugh watching her trying to put on those shoes. With your help, she did it! I will always advocate for mothers and fathers who love their children and you and Chris sure do love yours. You have a healthy, thriving family. God bless you!!!!!

[@tamarapalmer4894]

So sweet she going to be good with school.

[@rosalesvictoria5309]

She is so adorable! Thank you for sharing this video. This makes me feel more comfortable with getting my daughter started with school. My daughter has a lot of similarities as your daughter 🙂. May God guard our children 🙏 Amen

[@witnessofchrist2524]

So excited about the adventures that lie ahead for Mikko. Hope that she adapts well. ✌🏾🫶🏾

[@brendahughes300]

So glad Miko is going to school. She is going to do good the lord has her . Praying for you all.❤❤❤

[@queenla]

I am excited for this next stage of her life. I cannot wait to her about her experiences.

[@blackapples4744]

I knew that was Target store. They have everything. Very clean store and pleasant atmosphere.🌱

[@marilynnjones951]

This is awesome for Miko & the entire family. Continued patience with her doing this transition is essential. Please dont take her out because if she doesnt like it and review her IEP carefulluy. She will thrive and so will you!❤And here's to a successful school term for Miko!

[@lajames4079]

Her trying on her backpack is everything 😍

[@amilton1911]

👏 she will benefit tremendously!!!! You have done awesome so far continue 🎉🎉🎉

[@Rallizz3112]

Mikko is gonna do great in school. May the Almighty bless this lil fam❤❤❤❤❤

[@RubyWestDawson]

We’ve all been waiting for this!!!

[@NatashaMarie2020]

Congratulations 🎉❤ Mom It's Gonna All Work Out Stay InPrayer🤩😍

[@thegentlelife]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@gatesfamily3470]

👋🏽 Hey Precious Looking back on my autism experience with my non verbal daughter & starting school, my main regret was sending her at all. She qualified to start 3 year old pre-school at 2.5 years old in a top notch public school district. She also had private therapy. Group therapy with peers along with private one-on-one therapists would have been best dealing with our situation. Non-verbal students cannot let you know what's really going on throughout their day. Sometimes we were blessed with exceptional team of administrators & teachers. ... other times, teachers were horrid.

[@sherriemedellin5575]

Mikko have fun at school sweetheart ❤

[@oraclesma4575]

Mikko is such an inspiration...❤❤❤❤

[@AudAkos]

Aww Mikko is so cute! She sounds really excited to go to school 😊❤