How to Have a Stress-Free Back-to-School

When my older child was about to start Kindergarten, I realized I was not ready for the transitions that lay ahead.

Of course the leap from Preschooler to Big Kid is a big one and we know there will be changes, like maybe riding a school bus, eating lunch in the cafeteria, and no longer having a nap or rest time.

And we anticipate that parting in the morning will be brutal - for them, but more likely for us.

I remember walking onto the playground and seeing the other parents starting to gather.

That’s when it hit me - not only was my kid going to be making new friends, but I, too, was going to have to meet new people!

When I walked onto the playground, it seemed like all the other parents already knew each other, like there were already friend groups and cliques.

Sometimes as we move through the transitions of child development - moving onto Kindergarten or middle school, team sports or high school parties - we forget that we, the adults are also still developing.

Sometimes we are so focused on helping our children through a transition that we forget we also need to show up for ourselves.

You’ll probably encounter a million “Back to School” things this time of year and most of it will be focused on what kids need - school supplies, new clothes, sleep routines, homework schedules - all of which is super important. 

Because here’s what I know: When parents feel relatively calm and supported, kids feel safe.

And when kids feel safe, they are free to express their emotions and get the help they need to feel calm and regulated, even during times of transition or stress.

I’m here to provide the support for you, the parents because I know these transitions can be hard on you, too.

The guide has everything you need to create a back to school transition that feels like ease and flow, instead of stress and anxiety.

Here’s a quick preview:

So focus these next few weeks on restorative practices and developing routines that help you regulate your nervous system.

It doesn’t have to be something drastic or time-consuming - keep it simple!