Back to School: Supporting Yourself Through the Transition

As September rolls in and the kids head back to school, there’s often a lot of focus on supporting them — helping with worries, getting into routines, managing big emotions. But what about you?

Parents, carers, and guardians go through transitions too.

Whether you’re feeling relief at the return to routine, sadness that the summer’s over, or stress juggling everything on your to-do list — your experience matters.

We often forget that while we’re supporting others, we need support too.

Why the back-to-school transition can be emotional for parents

This time of year can stir up a lot:

Guilt over not feeling “ready”

Sadness watching them grow and become more independent

Anxiety about how they’ll settle or cope

Pressure to be super organised

Exhaustion from holding everyone else together

And that’s before you even add in work, life admin, and your own emotional landscape.

You’re not alone — and there are ways to support yourself through this shift too.

Gentle ways to look after you this September

💛 Acknowledge your own transition

Whether it’s your child’s first day at school or their last year before secondary — it’s a change for you too. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up.

💛 Find small rituals of calm

Just 5 minutes in the morning to breathe, stretch, tap, or sip a warm drink in peace can help you start the day more grounded.

💛 Let go of perfection

You don’t need to get everything “right.” Kids don’t need perfect — they need present. If mornings are messy or emotions are high, you’re still doing a good job.

💛 Use EFT for yourself

A quick round of tapping can calm your nervous system and help shift the overwhelm. Try: “Even though I feel a bit all over the place, I’m doing my best — and that’s enough.”

💛 Connect with others

You’re not the only one feeling the back-to-school wobble. Share with a friend, partner, or trusted group — and let yourself be supported too.

💛 Be kind to yourself

Self-compassion goes a long way. What would you say to a friend in your shoes? Say it to yourself too.

Final thoughts

You don’t have to hold it all together.

You don’t have to do it all alone.

This is a transition for you, too.

The more gently you care for yourself, the more you’ll be able to show up for the people around you — with less resentment, more presence, and a steadier heart.

Next time, I’ll be sharing simple strategies for teachers and support staff — because the grown-ups in schools are navigating transitions too.

💛 How I Can Support You or Your Child

I offer one-to-one support for children, teens (8–18+), parents, and teachers who may be finding transitions or emotions overwhelming. Sessions are gentle, empowering, and tailored to each individual, using a blend of EFT tapping, coaching, and calming techniques. I work in person at my beautiful, peaceful therapy space in Bradford on Avon, or online via Zoom. If you’d like to explore support for yourself, your child, or your school, you’re warmly welcome to get in touch.

More info, availability, and pricing can be found at www.rachelstacey-mckay.com