The Back To School Freak Out

The pool days are numbered. Back-to-school sales are in full swing. And if you’re a mom, you’re probably feeling that familiar combination of relief, panic, and dread.

Summer is wrapping up, and while part of you is counting down the days until you can sip your coffee in peace again, another part is bracing for the mental gymnastics of the school year.

It’s like you’re expected to flip a switch from “summer survival mode” (where cereal-for-dinner is a legit life choice) to “fully functioning PTA member” in the span of a weekend. But it’s never that smooth.

So if you're feeling off-kilter right now? Like you (and your kids) are having a back to school freak out - that’s not a you problem. That’s just parenting at this time of year.

The truth is, the start of the school year stirs up a lot for parents, and it’s not just about new backpacks and fresh boxes of crayons. It’s a full-blown emotional juggling act.

You’d think passing off snack duty and daily entertainment to the school system would lighten the load, right? Wrong. All that mental space you were using to count popsicle sticks and stop the fifth sibling fight of the day? That now gets reallocated to remembering which day is “wear your favorite color” day, managing the never-ending stream of homework folders, and decoding the flurry of “just a quick reminder” emails that hit your inbox like a tidal wave. The chaos hasn’t disappeared — it’s just shape-shifted.

Meanwhile, social media is working overtime to make you feel like you’re already behind. You’ll scroll past moms posting their color-coordinated bento box lunches, monogrammed backpacks, and first-day photoshoots with props, and wonder if your Lunchables and slightly crumpled shirt are setting your child up for therapy in adulthood.

For many parents, the start of the school year feels like a second New Year’s Day. 

This will be the year you’re organized. 

This will be the year you’ll stay on top of the class newsletters and not forget picture day. 

Even though, let’s be honest - you will forget something as the school year goes on….

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, emotional, or just plain exhausted thinking about the school year ahead, you’re just like everyone else, even the Moms posting color coordinated photos in matching haircuts online. 

The truth is, you’re a parent doing your best to manage a life that never seems to slow down.

The transition from summer to school year is messy, beautiful, chaotic, and emotional. Just like parenting. And you’re doing better than you think.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to have it all figured out when the kids begin to go back.But if you’re feeling the back-to-school feels extra hard this year, try this:

1. Lower the Bar - Your child does not need the perfect lunch, the fanciest $60 backpack, or a Pinterest-level first-day photo shoot.

2. Build in Transition Time - The first few weeks are an adjustment for everyone. Expect tired, cranky kids. Expect to be tired and cranky yourself. That’s not a failure. That’s September.

3. Check In With Yourself - While you’re busy worrying about their transitions, don’t forget about yours. What do you need as the school year starts? A new routine? A moment to breathe? Permission to not do all the things?

   
   

Even though summer can be overwhelming, the end of it is bittersweet.

It’s okay to feel relieved.

It’s okay to feel emotional.

You’re not “wishing time away” by looking forward to school.

You’re not a bad mom for feeling sad about them growing up.

So, as the school year kicks off, allow yourself to simply be, human. Without judgement or expectation or pressure to make it the best school year yet. 

And if you're needing extra support, or just know that you deserve a place and space to process the chaos and stress that comes with this motherhood gig, book a free consultation. 

I have 3 open spots for moms who are looking for the right (and very real) support for this upcoming September.

Book your FREE CALL NOW HERE to see if it's a fit.