As the back-to-school season approaches, parents and caregivers often find themselves navigating a whirlwind of emotions. Whether it’s your child’s first day of kindergarten or their final year of high school, this time of year can bring anxiety, hope, stress, sadness, fear for the future, excitement, and everything in between. It’s entirely normal to feel some or all of these emotions at once. But how do we manage this transition effectively, ensuring that we support our kids while also maintaining our own sanity?

It starts with managing our own emotions. The anxiety we may feel about sending our kids back to school—often related to our own memories, whether good or bad, of our school years—can cloud our ability to provide the support our children need. Whether school was a breeze for us or a constant challenge, it’s essential to remember that our children’s experiences are their own. They may thrive in an environment where we struggled, or they might face challenges in a setting where we excelled. By separating our experiences from theirs, we can focus on what they’re truly going through and offer support that’s both empathetic and effective.

Open communication is key. Encourage your children to express their thoughts and anxieties, and resist the urge to “talk them out of it.” Sometimes, all they need is to be heard. Focusing on the positives is valuable, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of acknowledging their experience. Listening to our kids without immediately offering solutions allows them to feel validated and understood, which is often more powerful than any advice we could give.

Creating a supportive environment is also crucial. As we transition from the laid-back days of summer to the structured routines of school, work, and extracurricular activities, both parents and children face adjustments. Establishing routines can help ease this shift. Start easing into school routines a week or two before the first day, and allow for flexibility as everyone adjusts to the new schedule. Building extra time into your day, especially when leaving the house or trying to arrive somewhere on time, can significantly reduce stress. Leave some space for wiggle room in those routines and be flexible.

Mindfulness and intention-setting can provide a map for how we want to show up, helping parents respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively to situations. This can be as simple as practicing deep breathing, pausing before we react, and approaching situations with curiosity. By practicing mindfulness during calm times, we can build the “muscle memory” needed to handle more challenging moments with grace.

In the end, the key to a successful back-to-school transition is creating space for everyone to thrive—parents and children alike. By managing our own emotions, supporting our kids through their unique experiences, and establishing mindful routines, we can all navigate this busy season with more ease and confidence.