More Than a Daydream: Turning Awareness into Empowerment

We’ve all seen that sweet, quiet moment in the classroom or at the kitchen table. A child is sitting with their pencil in hand, ready to take on the world, when suddenly... they pause.

You might gently wave a hand or calmly call their name, but for about ten seconds, they’re off in another world. Then, with a quick blink, they’re right back to their math problems as if they never left!

In a busy classroom or a hectic household, it’s so easy to smile and think, "Oh, they're just daydreaming again." I’ve been there myself! When my son was four, he started having these moments along with some "accidents." At first, I dismissed this as a simple regression—something many of us parents go through!

But then I learned the truth: those quiet pauses and "accidents" weren't just phases; they were absence seizures. Finding that out was the first step toward getting him the support he deserved, and it changed everything for us.

Advocacy is My Heartbeat ❤️

My mission at Shana Burke Creative Advocacy is rooted in one simple, joyful belief: Every child deserves to be understood. Through my work, I’ve seen how just a little bit of specialized knowledge can turn a confusing situation into an empowering one. Advocacy isn't just a heavy "medical" word; it’s about giving us, the parents and teachers the "super-vision" to see what our kids really need. When we recognize these signs, we aren't just "spotting a problem"—we are championing a child’s safety, confidence, and neurological health!

Watch & Learn: Let’s Spot the Signs Together!

I created this quick, upbeat video to help simplify the signs. It’s designed to be a helpful tool you can share with your fellow educators to keep our classrooms inclusive and safe:

Absence Seizures by Shana Burke

The "Quick-Start" Guide to Absence Seizures

Absence Seizures (you might have heard them called petit mal) are just brief little "pauses" in the brain. Here is the "cheat sheet" on what to look for:

• The "Blank Stare": A sudden, quiet pause in talking or moving.

• Subtle Fluttering: Quick eyelid blinks or little chewing motions.

• The "Quick Reset": They jump right back into action, maybe with just a tiny bit of confusion.

•  Unexpected Accidents: If a child is losing bladder control during these pauses, it might be a sign of a seizure—especially if it’s happening several times a day!

You Are the Difference-Maker!

As a teacher, paraprofessional or a parent, you are a child’s biggest hero and their first line of defense. By catching these signs early, you’re opening the door to the right help and a much brighter school day.