It’s that time of year again…back to school!

We’re finding ourselves getting back into routines after those long summer days that often mean less structure, slower mornings, and fewer obligations. For some families, summer is wonderful. For others, the lack of structure can actually be anxiety-producing. And then there are families like mine who seem to straddle both camps!

So, as we find ourselves being thrown back into the deep end of school-year schedules, where does your family fall? And what can we do to make this transition a little less stressful?

If you find yourself mourning the end of summer, try to embrace some of the positive things that structure can bring. My house tends to straddle both camps, so I find myself mourning the ability to sleep until 8:00, work out whenever I feel like it, spend tons of time outside, and just enjoy the slower pace of summer. You get the picture!

But every August, as this time of year comes knocking, I try to remind myself that there are some pretty great things about a little more structure, too. When the day starts earlier, there is naturally more time to get things done. I can structure my days and often find myself being much more efficient when I’m not distracted by running my kids all over the place.

And, honestly, there is also something comforting about knowing my kids are being engaged, challenged, and learning in a much more meaningful way than spending hours watching TV or playing video games. We can also start looking forward to some of the things that make fall special, cooler evenings, outdoor movies, football games, fall activities, and, of course, all those amazing smells that come with the season.

If you’re one of those parents who is counting down the days until school starts, we see you, too! Kids often do better with structure and routine, but that doesn’t mean the transition back to school won’t bring some additional stress. New teachers, new schedules, homework, sports, activities, and social pressures can all take some adjusting.

Make sure your kids have some solid coping skills and self-care routines in place. Talk with them about what they can do when they feel overwhelmed, anxious, or simply exhausted. And remember that even if summer was difficult for you, your kids may still be carrying some wonderful memories from those long, unstructured days. Take some time to acknowledge those memories and let them know that it’s okay to miss summer while also being excited about what comes next.

And for those of us who are grieving the end of summer, we appreciate you the back-to-school cheerleaders! Help us remember all of the amazing things that fall brings.

Regardless of how your family feels about the start of school, transitions bring some degree of stress. Even positive changes can require an adjustment period. Be open as a family about what you’re experiencing. Give everyone permission to feel differently. Maybe one person is excited, another is anxious, and someone else is wishing summer could last forever. Make room for the memories of summer while also talking about the things you’re looking forward to in the fall. Because each season serves a purpose in our lives. So whether you’re celebrating, grieving, or somewhere in between…take a deep breath, give yourself and your family some grace, and enjoy the season you’re in.