Are the “Back to School Blues” a Very Real Thing?

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:

1. Reset the Sleep Schedule

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!)

2. Organize the Space Together

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.

3. Focus on “Social Wins” Outside the Classroom

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.

4. Plan Mini “Post-School” Treats

The first week is often the hardest, and if you’re reading this, you made it through! Give the family something to look forward to by planning a fun activity for the first Friday or weekend after school starts—like a movie night, a trip for ice cream, or a playground hangout. Having a “reward” at the finish line makes the transition so much easier. (And remember, there can be multiple finish lines!)

5. Start a Low-Pressure Routine

Incorporate small “school-like” habits a few days early. This could mean reading for 20 minutes a day, eating lunch around the same time they will at school, or jotting down a simple daily to-do list. Easing into the structure makes the “big day” feel like much less of a shock to the system.