The start of the school year brings many different emotions. On the one hand, routine returns, which is often felt as a relief. At the same time, an emotional rollercoaster ride begins for many mothers.
Constantly thinking about signatures, buying school supplies, planning after-school activities for the whole year and hoping that it can all somehow be reconciled with work, timetables and everyday life. A new school year often means a financial challenge as well. It is not something one wants to pass on to the children, but it often hums along in the background.
All of this can be very stressful. Sometimes the tension shows itself as inner restlessness, sometimes as exhaustion. And then there may also be days when the feeling is: it is all manageable and not so bad after all.
When the pressure becomes too great, it can help to let go for a moment and think about what support could look like, so that there is some breathing space for oneself again. Help can happen on very different levels. There may even be options for financial support that one does not yet know about.
Relieving conversations with family, friends or teachers can also be helpful. Often it is only in conversation that one notices one is not alone with the feeling, and that alone takes away part of the load. Accepting help within the family, sharing out tasks and not wanting to do everything perfectly can ease the strain. One's own needs may have a place in this too.
Because a successful start to the school year does not mean that everything runs smoothly. It means that children feel supported and safe, and that the adults come through this time well too.