Back-to-School Season: Managing Emotions and Expectations
As we find ourselves in the back-to-school season, it is natural for both us and our families to experience a range of emotions and reactions. The beginning of this season is often marked by change and a transition to different routines. In this post, we’ll explore practical ways to manage stress, stay grounded, and form a new perspective on change.
Lean on your support system: A support system is essential throughout all seasons of life, and having an identified team of individuals who support you and your family during this time is especially helpful in managing the many tasks that need to be done. Your support system includes both people who are there for you, individually, as well as those in support of your family. This might include people such as a leader or friend from church, a relative who has been through this season who can mentor you, a neighbor who is willing to carpool, a counselor, or a school counselor. Identifying ahead of time how you will ask your community to support you may make utilization of your support system more smooth.
Create strategies for managing transition: People often think that routines have to be established at the beginning of a transition in order to have a “fresh start.” If you have yet to set one, or if your routine does not work well, it might feel as if you cannot start again a few weeks or months later because the opportunity is lost. If this is your experience, be encouraged to know that you have the ability and freedom to rework or form a new strategy for managing the transition to this season. Some tools to help include creating a visual calendar, having conversations about expectations, involving your family in organization, and building in downtime.
Facilitate check-ins: Checking in with yourself and your family can promote clarity in communication within your system as well as greater awareness of personal feelings and experiences. Instead of asking broad questions such as, “How was school today?” or “How productive was my week?” consider intentional questions such as, “What friends did you talk to today?” or “How did I care for myself and others this week?”
Engage in mindfulness: Mindfulness is the intentional practice of being aware of your present experience, noticing your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. Acknowledging your experience in a non-judgmental way can sooth anxious thoughts and foster greater understanding of your needs and automatic reactions to the situations that you may find stressful.
Put change into perspective: Understanding that change is a normal part of life can alleviate some of the pressure that is associated with “doing the change right” or “making the most of a fresh start.” A balanced perspective on change includes viewing the transition to a new season as an opportunity while also remembering the broader context of the normalcy of taking time to determine what works best for you and your family.
The character of God
While change in season can bring about a variety of responses from us and those around us, Scripture makes it evident that God is steadfast in the midst of change. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) and, The Lord does not change (Malachi 3:6). He is faithful – a reliable shelter in Whom we can trust.
