When Back-to-School Hits Parents, Too: Why Adults Need Support During This Season
Back-to-school isn’t just a transition for kids —
Parents are navigating change, too. Give yourself permission to slow down, feel your feelings, and take care of you.
We often think of back-to-school as a time that belongs to kids — new backpacks, fresh supplies, and maybe some first-day jitters. But the truth is, this seasonal shift ripples out far beyond the classroom, impacting parents, caregivers, and even adults without school-aged kids.
For parents, the return to school often means an uptick in mental load: managing new routines, coordinating drop-offs and pick-ups, packing lunches, helping with homework, attending school events, and keeping up with emails from multiple teachers. Even for those who have been through it many times before, this sudden change in pace can bring stress, overwhelm, and emotional fatigue.
And it’s not just about logistics. Back-to-school season can stir up emotions for parents — pride and joy mixed with nostalgia, worry, or even a sense of loss as kids grow more independent. For parents of little ones starting school for the first time, separation anxiety isn’t only something children experience. For parents of teens or college students, this season can highlight the bittersweet transition toward adulthood.
For adults without school-aged children, the seasonal shift can still have an impact. Busier traffic, changes in work schedules, or the cultural “reset” that happens in the fall can stir feelings of comparison (“Should I be starting something new, too?”) or trigger old school-related memories — both positive and painful.
Ways Parents and Adults Can Care for Themselves This Season
1. Give yourself permission to feel your feelings. Whether you’re excited, stressed, sad, or all of the above, your emotions are valid. Naming what you’re feeling is the first step to processing it.
2. Keep one grounding habit. When routines change, having a daily anchor — like a morning walk, a journaling practice, or a consistent bedtime — can help you stay steady.
3. Build in micro-moments of rest. Even five minutes of quiet in the car before pick-up or a mindful cup of coffee in the morning can help reset your nervous system.
4. Stay connected to other adults. This season can be isolating for parents as focus shifts to children’s needs. Make a point to text a friend, schedule a walk, or join a supportive group.
5. Notice what’s in your control (and what isn’t). Traffic jams, school policies, or your child’s mood aren’t always in your power to change. Focusing on what is in your control — your responses, your boundaries, your self-care — helps reduce stress.
Remember: You’re Navigating Change, Too
When we think about transitions, we often focus on the ones our kids are experiencing. But you are moving through a transition, too. By giving yourself compassion, creating small routines, and seeking support when you need it, you’ll be better equipped to show up for the people you care about — and for yourself.
If this season feels heavier than you expected, our therapists at Healgood are here to help. We offer individual therapy, DBT skills groups, and parenting support to help you navigate change with more ease and less overwhelm.
Reach out — we’re here.