Welcome to September, folks. For parents of young kids, it’s the month jam-packed with newness and transitions. We’ve got new clothes, new teachers, new routines and new hurdles. We’ve also got school drop-off, starting afterschool activities, homework, carpooling, childcare schedules and expectations of starting a school year. September really knows how to pack a punch and as parents we are figuring out how to meet that energy head-on. Fear not, parents. Yes, this month is intense and it can also have its benefits.
As with so many stages and phases of parenting, September has a natural push/pull dynamic that creates the tension we often bristle at but also need for growth. Let’s break down some of our favorite “tensions” that come to the forefront this month in an effort to mitigate some of the stress that comes with it.
There is back to school chaos along with routine.
Summer’s more laid-back vibe can feel jarringly stunted come September. Here come new schedules that feel fairly rigid. Covering childcare and transportation can feel like a full-time activity. And yet, as we bumble our way through those initial weeks, we soon enough fall into a routine. A reliable, predictable routine certainly has its benefits that, in the end, can ease stress. The key here is thoughtful, realistic schedules that can actually work for your particular family and kiddo.
There is separation and nervousness along with growth.
Change is challenging. With the start of a new school year, worries and hesitations can surface, especially for little ones or sensitive children. We as parents often bring our own versions of nervousness, whether from our own childhood or as parents today. All in all, it can be uncomfortable and tiring. And yet, with these emotional hurdles, we find growth and self-awareness that can serve our kids and us. These are the times to tune into your feelings and support your child in naming and facing the emotions that are creating struggles.
There is uncertainty along with new perspectives.
We’ve had many “first day of school”s between our families. We’ve started many a school year with uncertainty. Will my child like their new teacher? Will my child have enough friends in the class this year? Will the teacher understand my child and how they learn? What if things don’t go well this year? There are so many questions and only time will reveal the answers. We’ve found that, the majority of the time, these nagging questions have led us and our kids to new perspectives. Maybe a new kind of teaching unlocks new potential, new classmates nurture a new interest or friendship and a new set of eyes on our kids helps us understand them even better.
There is stress for parents in September along with moments to reset & reflect.
Yes, September is a whirlwind, and it’s also kind of not. We are not yet in the throes of big games, performances or teacher conferences. We are not quite yet managing seemingly endless school sickness and doctor’s visits. We find September can be a great time to sneak in that dinner outside on a lovely night, linger at the park just a little bit longer and soak up the successes of starting a school year with relative ease.
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