Extension Educator Tessa Hobbs-Curley wrote this great article about stress levels of parents when school begins. She says that children returning to school can be such an exciting, busy time. For some parents, it is relieving to get back into a pattern. For others, it can be an overwhelming and stressful time. Parental stress can be triggered by monetary spending on school supplies and registration, balancing extracurricular activities, and worrying that children will adjust to the learning environment well and get along with others. The list could go on forever, right?

So, how do we make our return to school a success for our family? Well, here are a few suggestions:

  • Incorporate downtime – Everybody needs to be able to adjust to the new schedule. Sometimes you just need a few minutes to decompress from the workday, just like children do from school or practice. Before starting dinner, take a minute and go for a walk or write in your journal. Then you can rejoin the family ready to listen to conversations, handle transportation, or make dinner.
  • Include family time – It is important to socialize as a family. Whether it is eating together as a family or just sitting at the table reviewing the calendar, family conversations are important.
  • Make self-care part of your routine – This can be tricky. Make sure you are talking about what you are experiencing with a friend or partner. Don’t forget to talk to your supervisor and coworkers to make a plan for hectic days and unforeseen circumstances. Make sure you talk to your child about expectations.