The “Back to School Blues” are definitely real—for both our kids and us! Shifting from the sweet summer freedom of late nights, popsicle-fueled energy, and general lawlessness to the rigid military precision of alarm clocks and matching shoes is a shock to everyone’s system. Whether we’re prepping for the first day of class or just trying to survive another Manic Monday, we parents can all benefit from hitting the “RESET” button. Here are 5 tips to help manage those transition jitters and get back into the swing of things—whether you’re here with us in Fayetteville, Georgia, or reading from anywhere around the world: Don’t wait until the night before school starts to try to get everyone to bed early. About a week before, start moving bedtime and wake-up times 15–30 minutes earlier each day. This helps our kids’ internal clocks adjust so they aren’t total “zombies” during that first week of classes. (And if we are part of that morning routine, we need to do the exact same for ourselves!) Feeling prepared can significantly reduce anxiety. Spend an afternoon setting up the study area, organizing backpacks, or picking out outfits for the first few days. When the physical environment feels under control, the mind usually follows suit. If our students are hesitant about returning, reminding them about reconnecting with friends they haven’t seen all summer—or getting excited about a specific club or sport—can provide a much-needed boost of anticipation. The first week is often the…
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