Your kids just spent two months out of school, enjoying the freedom of sleeping in and playing with their friends during the day. Now, the back-to-school season is in motion, and excitement and stress are building up in your home.
While your kids may be excited to start a new grade and see their friends, as a parent, the summer has you stretched between work, finances, and schedules. By recognizing these challenges and supporting each other, your family can work towards a smoother transition into the school year.
Understanding Stress in Couples
When back-to-school comes, parents are usually left with mixed feelings. Spending more time with your kids may have been a fun and bonding experience, but it’s nice to have some time to yourself too.
On the other hand, now that they’re heading back to school, you’re back to the hustle and bustle of coordinating drop-offs, after-school activities, and homework. Not to mention finances usually play a major role, with the costs of school supplies, extracurricular activities and clothing.
The reality is, these are things you can’t avoid. What’s important is how you communicate with your partner. If you see yourselves as a team, then you’ll be able to push through this with minor bumps along the way. Spend some time talking about schedules and dividing tasks to help ease the pressure. Remember: A strong relationship makes a healthy family. So try to set some time for you two to connect.
Supporting Children with New Routines
Not every child sees heading back to school as a fun thing. Some children struggle during this transition. Whether it’s separation anxiety or adapting to a new classroom, these situations can trigger serious stress. While you can’t prevent your child from having these feelings, you can make the experience less overwhelming. How? Create structure at home. Have consistent bedtimes, prepare their school bag the night before, and create a morning routine that’s calming.
Don’t forget to talk to your child about their day. Listen to their feelings and concerns and reassure them that their feelings are okay, because they are.
Addressing Adolescents’ Unique Pressures
Your six-year-old son may have a smoother transition than your 14-year-old daughter in some cases. Teenagers often face more complex stressors like academic expectations, relationships, and after-school commitments. They also seek independence, which may clash with parental expectations, creating tension in the home.
Although back-to-school can be a tricky time, you can find a balance between guidance and trust. It’s important to set boundaries while also encouraging your teen to grow. Keep conversations open. If they feel heard and respected, they’ll come to you.
Building Family Resilience Together
The new school year gives families the chance to become a team. And like any team, regular check-ins are key to making sure everyone’s feelings and concerns are heard. You don’t need to make it a big deal. Family dinners or simple outings are a simple way to bring everyone together.
Supporting Each Other During Back-to-School
Back-to-school season always feels like a whirlwind, but that’s usually because we’re not taking the time to connect with ourselves and the other members in our families. When families communicate effectively, children are guided with patience and trust, helping everyone grow closer. Back-to-school season is your chance for your family to come together and turn this stressful time into one of connection and resilience.
If your family is struggling with back-to-school stress, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Contact Supporting Wellness today and connect with experienced Calgary psychologists and therapists who can help your family find balance, healing, and growth.