It’s that time of year again. School supply shopping, getting back into routines, and squeezing in those last-minute summer activities before the school bell rings for the first day back to class. As a mom, I enjoy the return to a familiar routine and prepping my kid’s new fall wardrobe. Yet with that excitement can also come a bit of the new school year jitters.

This article is an invitation for you, parents and students, to contemplate what some of your biggest excitements, worries, or fears might be as you enter into the fall. This isn’t about changing them, but simply gaining awareness so you can create new choices – choices that feel lighter for you.

Some of the top concerns for parents and students entering the new school year include:

Students Falling Behind Academically

After years of changes and uncertainty in education, many students may still feel pressure to catch up academically or meet new expectations. Returning to school can mean adjusting to new schedules, teachers, workloads, and learning environments. Many students and their parents may worry about what these changes mean for their learning.

This is a reminder that you are not alone. Every student learns differently, and it can take time to adjust to new expectations.

Some things to remember:

Students: Do the best you can. You don’t have to have everything figured out on the first day. Give yourself time to settle into your routine, ask for help when you need it, and remember to take care of yourself along the way.

You deserve to celebrate that you’ve made it this far!

Parents: Remember that academics is not all there is to life. Your child’s mental health should be a priority. Stress can affect a student’s ability to focus, learn, and feel confident in their abilities. What steps can you take as a team to create a healthy balance between schoolwork, rest, activities, and time together?

Back-to-School Stress

The transition from summer to a structured school routine can bring its own set of challenges. Earlier mornings, busier schedules, homework, extracurricular activities, and new expectations can all contribute to feeling overwhelmed.

The positive is that we can be proactive and care for our minds and bodies.

A huge part of managing stress is making time for rest and recovery. Try to establish a regular bedtime that works for you and give yourself enough time to recharge.

Be active and move your body. Spend some time outside when you can, even as the weather gets cooler. A walk, bike ride, or simply getting some fresh air can help you reset and take a break from a busy day.

Most importantly, remember that you don’t have to do everything at once. Take things one day at a time.

Overwhelm from Social Situations

Returning to school also means returning to busy hallways, classrooms, activities, and social situations. For some students, reconnecting with friends can be exciting. For others, it can feel overwhelming or bring new social pressures.

Remember, it is 100% okay to set personal boundaries and say NO to social invites or situations that don’t feel right for you.

Our relationships can shift as we grow and move through different stages of life. You get to choose who you spend time with. Maintain those relationships that are positive, healthy, and empowering, and recognize when certain relationships may no longer be serving you.

A Fresh Start

The start of a new school year doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s an opportunity to start fresh, set realistic goals, reconnect with people, and learn more about yourself along the way.

Have fun as you enter this next school term by engaging in these simple steps. By intending for a positive, fun-filled school year, you may find that the transition becomes a little easier.

Give yourself permission to feel excited, nervous, hopeful, or even a little unsure. Whatever you’re feeling, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Originally written by Fola Veritas. Updated by the SOS Safety Magazine team to reflect the current back-to-school experience.