How do you survive the first day of school?
1. Plan your next vacation (yes, already!)
There's nothing like thinking about the next vacation to give yourself some courage at the start of the school year. If they seem far away, having a short weekend planned or even just a family outing on the horizon can do wonders for your mood. It's a bit like having a hidden chocolate bar for very tired days: it helps you stay strong! So, pull out your calendar, block out a few dates and dream about your next destination.
2. Sharing the mental burden: a family affair
Back to school is also the ideal time to review the distribution of tasks at home, especially after the holidays when habits are upset. Mental load isn't just a buzzword, it's a reality for many parents. What if this year, we tried to share it better? Talk as a family (yes, even with the youngest ones!) Who can do what. Children can be empowered, even for small tasks, and this helps them grow while making you feel a bit lighter. Likewise, morning and evening routines are revised and repeated to make children more and more independent.
3. Simplify your life with visual planning
To avoid running out of time and forgetting Timéo's snack or Léa's dance class, a visual schedule can be a valuable ally. Use a large chalkboard or a colorful calendar where each member of the family can see what's in store for them. It's simple, fun, and it helps everyone get organized. Another tip: download a family organization application such as My FamilyWall or MyFamiliz. Convenient to use with the co-parent
4. Let go... and get rid of the guilt
Back to school sometimes has that little taste of New Year synonymous with resolution. Let go a little loose by revising your ambitions. No need to sign up for 10,000 activities, plan to do a post-vacation diet or to toilet train Junior at the age of 1 and a half between two baby swimmer classes. You got it, “who goes piano, va sano” (who goes slowly, goes healthy). By the way, we take the opportunity to send this nasty friend the guilt waltz. You are not Shiva and so much the better.
5. Anticipate to better manage the unexpected
In an already busy daily life, one of your best allies will be foresight. In bulk: prepare clothes the day before, define the week's menu, start batch cooking, fill your freezer with prepared meals, have several babysitter contacts in your directory, make friends with the parents at the nursery, identify this new medical center that manages small daily emergencies... These well-oiled little wheels can help you deal with the unexpected in an (almost) zen way.
6. Decompression rituals: a breath of fresh air
Back-to-school is often synonymous with busy days, so it's essential to find time to relax. Why not start a decompression ritual at the end of the day? Whether it's a family walk after dinner, doing a few simple yoga positions, learning to breathe to better calm down with cardiac coherence, coloring, a puzzle... These small moments allow you to release pressure and refocus on the present.
7. Take time for yourself
As we know, parents often tend to forget themselves in the back-to-school whirlwind. But to survive this period, it is essential to take time for yourself, without feeling guilty. Whether it's an evening with friends, a relaxing bath or a moment of reading, these small personal pleasures will allow you to recharge your batteries. After all, a happy parent is a more zen parent, and that's reflected in the whole family!
Back to school can be a stressful time, but with a bit of preparation and some thoughtful tips, you can get through this period with peace of mind. Remember: planning, sharing, and taking time for yourself are the keys to staying on track. Above all, keep in mind that busy days will pass, and that the small victories of everyday life are worth celebrating. Happy back to school everyone!
The Charlie Crane Team
