Reentry, Routines, and Real Life
The beach towels are still damp, the snack drawer is somehow always empty, and your kids can’t remember the last time they woke up before 9 AM.
Yep, it’s back-to-school season.
Heading into a new school year after a long summer break brings up all kinds of emotions. There’s excitement - fresh supplies, new teachers, reunited friends. But there’s also anxiety, nerves, and the reality check of early alarms, packed lunches, and that dreaded word: homework.
Whether your child is the type to bounce out of bed in a fresh outfit or cling to summer like their life depends on it, the return to school hits everyone differently. And often, the stress shows up in unexpected ways mood swings, clinginess, or a sudden case of "I forgot how to tie my shoes." (It’s real.)
Parents, You’ve Been Doing the Most
Let’s take a moment for the parents. You’ve spent months entertaining, feeding, traveling, managing meltdowns, breaking up sibling arguments, and trying to make a "magical summer" happen. Whether you stayed home or worked full-time, summer break for parents is rarely a break at all.
You’ve made memories. You’ve done crafts. You’ve said “yes” to popsicles before dinner.
And now… you’re looking forward to that first quiet cup of coffee. And maybe, just maybe a little breathing room.
If you feel a little guilty for counting down the days, you’re not alone. It doesn’t mean you love your kids any less. It just means you’re human. Parenting is full-time, non-stop, and deeply rewarding but also exhausting.
Getting Back Into Routines
Transitioning back into school life is hard for everyone. Your kid has to:
- Get up earlier
- Pack their bag
- Sit still for hours
- Focus on tasks again
And you?
- Re-learn how to get everyone out the door on time
- Coordinate schedules, practices, and permission slips
- Start prepping lunches again (we’re so sorry)
Start small. Don’t expect perfection. Gradually reintroduce routines like earlier bedtimes, limited screen time before school, and designated homework blocks. Ease into it.
Behavior May Get Bumpy
Some kids act out when they're overwhelmed. Others shut down. Some seem fine, then melt into a puddle over the wrong color of socks.
Back-to-school anxiety is common even if they’re not talking about it. Be patient, listen more, and remind them (and yourself) that it’s a transition. It takes time.
How Parentr Can Help
Here’s where we shamelessly plug our favorite tool but only because it actually works.
Parentr was built for this kind of chaos.
At the beginning of a new school year, it can feel like you’re suddenly juggling ten calendars and forgetting everything. Parentr helps:
- Organize class and sports schedules
- Manage sign-ups and RSVPs for parties, snacks, and volunteering
- Coordinate with other parents, teachers, and coaches
- Create reminders for everything from “bring water bottle” to “picture day tomorrow”
- Set up family spaces so everyone stays in sync
Whether you’re a room mom, a team coach, or just a parent trying to remember where practice is this week, Parentr takes the pressure off.
Let’s Be Real
No one nails back-to-school perfectly. There will be forgotten lunchboxes. There will be tears (yours or theirs). There will be cereal for dinner.
But you’re showing up. You’re caring. You’re doing your best.
Let Parentr help with the rest.
Now available on iPhone & Android (U.S. only)! Download or update today.
