It’s back-to-school season: Parents, you’ve got this!
As parents or caregivers, it’s important to also look after yourself this back-to-school season. A little planning, a lot of patience and some self-compassion can go a long way.
The holidays are over, and life? Well, it’s coming at you fast. Work deadlines, much like your dirty laundry, are piling up and now you’re adding “back-to-school prep” to the mix. Your kids are coming down from their holiday sugar highs and late nights, and let’s be honest, you’re not feeling much more prepared than they are.
As parents or caregivers, it’s important to also look after yourself this back-to-school season. A little planning, a lot of patience and some self-compassion can go a long way.
Why is this so hard?
It’s not just the logistics, though there are plenty of those, but it’s the mental load, too. You’re juggling to-do lists for school, home and work, and somewhere in there you’re supposed to make sure everyone eats something healthy.
Plus, there’s the emotional load. Will your children settle in okay? Are they nervous about making friends or keeping up in class? In addition to packing and lugging book bags, worrying about your children is also a heavy burden.
And let’s not forget: you’re probably still recovering from the holidays yourself. That’s a lot. It’s normal to feel stretched thin.
Helping your kids this back-to-school season (without losing your mind)
Getting kids ready for school is a team effort. Here’s how to make it a bit easier:
- Start bringing back some structure. Earlier bedtimes, morning routines—nothing drastic, just little steps to help them adjust.
- Pack the positives. Talk about what they’re excited about returning to school. Seeing friends, starting a new sport or showing off their new backpack. Keep the vibe light and upbeat.
- Let them share. Whether they’re pumped or petrified, let your kids talk about how they’re feeling. It helps them process and you’ll know how to support them better.
- Plan ahead (but not too much). Get the basics sorted: uniforms, supplies and lunch ideas. But don’t sweat the small stuff! The pencil case doesn’t have to be colour-coded, and the sandwich doesn’t need to be picture-perfect. What matters is showing up and giving it your best and not aiming for perfection.
What about you?
You can’t show up fully for your kids if you’re running on fumes. You need to take care of yourself too! When you’re stretched thin, even small steps toward self-care can make a world of difference for you and your family.
- Share the load. Whether it’s leaning on your co-parent or partner, asking a friend for support, or giving older kids age-appropriate tasks, it’s okay (and healthy) to ask for help. You don’t have to be a superhero every day.
- Make time for you. Quiet moments are golden. Go for a 10-minute walk, read a chapter of a book or just sit with a warm cup of tea. These little breaks help you recharge. Don’t underestimate their power.
- Let go of “perfect”: Social media isn’t real life. Your kids don’t care if their lunchbox isn’t Instagram-worthy or if the house is a bit messy. Focus on what works for your family and let the rest go.
The UNICEF says self-care for parents directly impacts how effectively they can care for their children. Prioritising your own mental and physical wellbeing enables you to create a stronger foundation for your entire family.
Even small steps like sticking to a sleep routine, staying active and eating well can boost your mood and energy which makes it easier to manage the daily challenges of parenting.
So, the next time you feel guilty about taking a moment for yourself, remind yourself that it’s not selfish. Rather, it’s smart parenting. A healthier, happier you means a more balanced and supportive home for your kids.
It takes a village
Parenting was never meant to be a solo gig. Back-to-school season is a reminder that you can always ask for help, maybe from your fellow parents, trusted neighbours, the school community or your closest friends.
- Connect with other parents. Sharing stories (and laughs) over the chaos of lunchboxes or lost school hats can remind you that you’re not alone. It’s a chance to trade tips, vent frustrations and even feel a little lighter knowing others are in the same boat.
- Reach out to teachers. Your child’s teacher isn’t just there to teach the kids, they’re supposed to be part of your team. Don’t hesitate to start a conversation and ask questions about the curriculum, concerns about how your child is adjusting, or maybe how they socialise with others at school.
- Maximise local resources. In Australia, organisations like Parentline offer free, confidential support for parents navigating everything from school stress to balancing work and family life. Having a go-to resource can make all the difference when things feel harder to manage.
Building connections through casual chats at pick-up time or tapping into professional resources reminds you that help is always available.
Leora Healthcare: Your partner in mental health
At Leora Healthcare, we know the back-to-school grind can be tough on parents, especially parents who are also returning to work. Whether you’re managing stress, juggling priorities or just trying to stay afloat, we’re here to help.
Through our innovative Employee Assistance Program, we offer mindfulness tools, stress management resources and counselling services tailored to help parents manage life’s demands with confidence and care.
Taking care of yourself creates a space for calm and clarity in your busy world. Reach out to us to learn more about how to access our services to help lighten the load and take care of your mental wellbeing.