Return to School Stress

I really wish schools could send one email with everything I need to know.

Not 10 emails spaced between November to today and then 5 on the first morning of school that need to be actioned by the end of the day.

I want one email.

Please.

Sent on repeat daily…

…highlighted with emojis and sitting at the top of my inbox so when I have that one spare min to action something I can find it.

But then actually…

…I’m not sure I would like those emojis each day mocking me for my lack of organisation because I still haven’t done all the things…

The mental loading and the nagging feeling that you are about to drop some important balls is so stressful at this time of year as school returns.

And it’s not just kids going back to school we need to think about. It’s work, parents, dogs, cats, housework, exercise routines, self-care…

And then there’s how your teen is going to cope with going back to school.

The pressures of all of this can lead to family blow ups and breakdowns in the lead up to the school term starting.

Today I sat down to write this email to give you some stress management tips for this time of year.

But instead of giving you more to do, I am going to be honest.

I use the strategies…the to do lists, breathing, exercise, calmly taking to my kids and having coaching conversations with them to help them navigate this time…

But this morning I blew it and yelled at everyone.

The honest truth is, no matter how hard we try, sometimes the seasons of life affect us and cause conflict.

It’s cyclone season in northern Australia right now.

Residents have had to prepare for, live through and clean up after some big storms.

And while unpleasant for them, it’s not unexpected as it is cyclone season.

The beginning of school is also cyclone season emotionally in families.

Like two storm fronts colliding, your stress managing all the emails and beginning of the year “to do’s” may collide with your teen’s lack of organisation, sleep routine or holiday device use leading to some category 5 family storms that have hit or are fast approaching.

I see you.

You are trying your best.

But you are starting to wonder whether there is something wrong with your parenting…

Or something wrong with your kid.

It’s neither.

It’s a stormy season.

You can’t always stop a storm.

What you can do is protect yourself and your child during the storm.

No matter the struggles with your teen or tween right now it is vital that you…

1. Protect yourself by being kind to yourself, you are a good parent, you are trying your best and know you can work it out and…
2. Protect your kid by not falling into the pit of “what’s wrong with you!” but rather remember they are the child you love in a storm with you, and you can guide them out. They are not the storm.

If you have read this whole article, I know you are a committed, loving parent or carer.

Your kids are lucky to have you and if even if no one in your life appreciates what you do each day…I know and I thank you.

We need more parents (or grandparents, or therapists, or teachers) just like you.