Sh!t, School Starts Monday!

Let’s get real for a second... it’s the Friday before school starts in Chicago. Everyone is tired, overwhelmed, and strangely dirty.  No one has practiced getting up early for school – and when we bring it up this weekend, everyone’s going to have a total meltdown. And don’t even get us started about the first week of school! So, what really helps when we are out-of-sorts, worn down, and getting through the first days of school?

Radical Acceptance

It’s time to wildly accept what is in and out of your control over the next week. Maybe your kid isn’t excited to return to school. Or your teen is upset they have to wake up early. Or they’re nervous about meeting their teacher. Guess what? You don’t have to control that. In fact, we don’t have control over other people’s emotions – and it’s not our job to try and control them. Yes, it’s okay to take a breath and respond, “Hmm, that does sound hard/stressful/upsetting” and NOT problem-solve it. You got this!

What is in your control? Letting go of how you think the weekend or the first days of school “should” look. Regardless of whether your kids love or hate school, it’s likely they’re a little stressed about starting school and will come home exhausted and crabby after the first day. Make life easy for everyone… don’t ask a bunch of questions, don’t plan a bunch of activities, and don’t try to problem-solve their complaints. Just practice those good ol’ fashioned validation strategies, “You’re definitely overwhelmed, want a snack?” and **head nodding** “Mmm, that’s a lot.”

Be nice to yourself, dang it!

You work hard as a parent and returning to school is a lot! Quit beating yourself up wishing you had shifted bedtime earlier and lean into some self-compassion. You got your kid through summer, congrats! You are not alone in this journey… all our parent and teacher friends are stressed, too. Now, place your hand on your chest (do it!), take a breath, and say something kind to yourself.

Mind Chicago is sending you compassionate vibes this week!

Authored by Mind Chicago staff!