Back to School: Why Every Parent’s Feeling Matters

Her Story & Co.
Sep 2
3 min read

Back to School: Big Feelings (for Little Ones and Parents!)

The smell of new pencils. Shoes that are just a bit too big. Packed lunches that may or may not get eaten. September is here — and with it comes that big milestone: back to school, preschool, or nursery.

For many families, this week is a cocktail of emotions. Some parents feel sad at waving off their little one. Others feel relieved to have their hands (and maybe their house) a little freer. And some are just… neutral. Wherever you land on that spectrum — it’s all absolutely normal, and all feelings are valid.

Why this transition matters

Starting or returning to school isn’t just a date in the diary — it’s a huge developmental leap. Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child describes transitions like these as “critical junctures” that help shape children’s resilience.

It’s common for children to:

Feel extra tired (new routines are exhausting!)

Show big emotions (or meltdowns at home — because home is their safe space)

Regress a little (wanting extra cuddles, needing help with things they used to do solo)

This doesn’t mean anything is “wrong” — it means your child is processing something big. And just like us, they need time, connection, and patience while they adjust.

What about parents?

We often forget that parents go through a transition too. Whether you’re teary at the gates, fist-pumping your way to Costa, or feeling somewhere in between, your response is valid.

Some parents grieve the “baby days.” Some breathe a sigh of relief. Many feel both in the same morning! Your emotions matter, just as much as your child’s.

Practical tips for a smoother September

Keep after-school simple. Early nights, familiar routines, comfort food.

Expect the after-school wobble. Kids often hold it together all day, then let loose at home. It’s not personal — it’s trust.

Create mini rituals. A hot chocolate after school, a silly handshake at drop-off, or a 5-minute cuddle can become grounding anchors.

Be kind to yourself. If drop-off leaves you teary, plan a walk, a coffee, or something that feels good for you.

A funny truth

I’ve seen parents leaving school gates crying into tissues. I’ve also seen parents leaving the gates practically skipping — straight to the coffee shop with free hands and a grin.

Both reactions? Totally valid. Parenting is nothing if not a rollercoaster.

A Little Back-to-School Poem

Final thoughts

Back-to-school season is about fresh starts — for your child, and for you. However you’re feeling, know you’re not alone.

And if you’d love more tips, evidence-based advice, and a community that gets it, come join us in the Parenting Circle — your space for support, encouragement, and those “me too” moments that make all the difference.