There’s no getting around it: heading back to school is stressful—for kids and their parents. Any transition in life—good or bad—is going to cause stress. And the start of school is no different; a new year, a new schedule, and a new set of relationships all add up to a lot of work for everyone.
But that doesn’t mean you and your family have to be miserable for the next month. There are concrete steps you can take to ease this transition for all involved. Work to avoid these five common pitfalls, and your life will go a lot more smoothly during this stressful time:
- Lack of sleep and healthy food: A new wake-up call and too much processed food keep us from feeling our best.
- Lack of organization: A stepped-up schedule and a flurry of papers sets our heads spinning.
- Lack of funds: School supplies, new clothes, and school fees can too easily break the bank.
- Lack of perspective: All of the above, plus regular parenting fears, can make the transition loom larger than it actually is.
- Lack of support: Trying to go it alone ignores one of the best ways we have to cope.
Over the next two weeks I’m going to be tackling these stressors one at a time, and offering suggestions for ways to help.
My kids are heading back to school soon, too—and my youngest is starting kindergarten! Keep reading, and we’ll get through this together.
Back to School (Part 1): Start With the Basics
Back to School (Part 2): Plan It Out
Back to School (Part 3): Save Your Dollars
Back to School (Part 4): Get a Grip
Back to School (Part 5): The First Day
© Amy Daniewicz
Amy Daniewicz 
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