Like the ebb and flow of low and high tide at the beach, school starting can bring a sense of rhythm and order to the unscheduled freedom of summer vacation.  It can also bring added stressors that impact the family in multiple ways.   Getting all family members out the door at the same time is stressful in itself; but add to that equation the task of making sure homework is completed, (and in the book bag, not on the kitchen counter) lunches are made, (and not forgotten or consisting of one bag of snack food) and there are clean clothes to wear (matching socks helpful, not necessary).  It doesn’t take a calculator to do the math – multiply family members and responsibilities and it equates to added stress.  Add on extra-curricular activities (sports, music, clubs) and life becomes incredibly busy and parents can become stressed.

At the beginning of this school year, it may be helpful to sit down together and enlist the help of children (and any adults who may be available) to help distribute some of the responsibilities.  I know many a parent who will deliver a lunch or homework when it is forgotten at the last minute.  (Something I too am guilty of.) The trouble with this approach is that it teaches a child that someone will rescue them – often at the expense of their own time limitations.  One friend allows one delivery per semester and then the child is left to face the consequences of their own forgetfulness.  Another family limits the number of activities a child can participate in each semester so they actually have time to sit down and eat together several nights per week. Prioritizing and planning ahead will help with all the demands of the school schedule stress.

Marlayne Whitlock

mwhitlock@ GROWcounseling.com