Breathing During Back-to-School Season

Back to school

“School bells are ringing loud and clear; vacation’s over, school is here.” – Winifred C. Marshal

Each year, I feel overwhelmed with my growing to-do list with every school email, text reminder, or flyer in the mail. I remember this feeling of overwhelm distinctly as a student when receiving my syllabus at the beginning of each school year as well. It’s a natural reaction to the mental load of having a child in school. Just like the holidays, we as mothers somehow manage to get all the tasks accomplished. You will do it again this year! Here are my tips on how to take care of yourself while you’re taking care of everyone else:

  • Add the important dates to the calendar! This step allows me to see when various events are happening throughout the year for school, work, family, and friends. Seeing the big picture helps me to breathe a little easier.
  • Make a master list. Make a list of school fees, the papers that need to be returned, and last-minute items that need to be bought. Getting the thoughts out of your head and onto paper can alleviate the stress of everything that needs to be done. Seeing these items on paper takes away the thought “I need to remember to do XYZ.”
  • Divide and conquer. Make a plan with your partner on division of tasks! If you are feeling stressed, it’s more than ok to ask for help.
  • Try not to procrastinate! The sooner you buy the school supplies list items, uniforms, school shoes, and backpack, the better you will feel in the long run. You won’t be fighting the crowds to hunt through picked over school supplies or wondering if your Amazon package will arrive in time.
  • Join the school Facebook page and group. I recently joined the Facebook group for my child’s school that a group of parents created. This has been so helpful in preparing for the upcoming school year. It is a great place to ask questions, connect with parents of your child’s classmates, and see reminders.
  • Trust yourself. You manage to get your child all set for school each year; you will do it again this year!

The beginning of school is always daunting, but you and your child will get used to the new rhythm. The structure of school is good for the whole family. You just have to get over the hump of the beginning of school. You’ve got this!

Emily Beatmann
Emily is a Louisiana native born in Shreveport, Louisiana. She went to UL Lafayette and earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations in 2012. It was here that she fell in love with her husband, Jude, and the city of Lafayette. On the weekends, you will find Emily at a festival, the farmer’s market, enjoying a Mardi Gras parade, or eating at one of the many delicious restaurants in Acadiana. Emily and Jude have two children named Mia (9), Patrick (4.), and Violet (4 months.) She is a Marketing Director by day and mom by night! Emily has a passion for reading, Harry Potter, theatre, coffee, wine, spreading financial literacy, her friends, and family.