Resetting for the School Year: How Teachers, Parents, and Students Can Mentally Prepare

There’s something about the end of summer that always feels bittersweet. The long days start to shorten, Target fills with rows of notebooks and pencils, and you can almost smell the fresh start that September brings. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or a student, back to school season is more than just shopping for supplies- it’s about mentally preparing for a new chapter.

Here are some ways I’ve found helpful to reset for the school year:

For Teachers:

• Reflect, don’t ruminate. Think about what worked well last year and what didn’t, but don’t carry the weight of every mistake into the new year. Each September is a clean slate- for you and your students.

• Set realistic intentions. Instead of a long list of “goals”, choose one or two core intentions that will guide you. Maybe it’s patience, creativity, or flexibility.

• Building your routine early. Start easing back into your school year schedule before the first day so the transition doesn’t feel so jarring.

For Parents:

• Shift the household rhythm. A week or two before school starts, re-establish bedtime and morning routines so kids aren’t shocked when the alarm clock rings.

• Talk it out. Many kids (even older ones) feel anxious about the first day. Make space for conversations about their hopes and worries and remind them that nervousness is normal.

• Prep your calm, too. Kids feed off our energy. Taking care of your own stress through exercise, journaling, or even a few minutes to yourself- makes a huge difference for the whole family.

For Students:

• Organize your space. Whether its a desk, a backpack, or even just a folder, having a fresh tidy space to work from helps your brain feel ready to learn.

• Find excitement in the small things. Maybe its new pens, a fun water bottle, or seeing friends again- focus on the positives to ease first day jitters.

• Remember: no one has it all figured out. Every student walks into a new year with questions and uncertainties. You are not alone in that.

Back to school season can feel overwhelming, but its also an opportunity for a reset. Think of it as a chance to start fresh- not just with new notebooks, but with new energy and perspective. Whether you’re leading a classroom, supporting your child, or sitting in the desk yourself, you deserve to enter this school year grounded, prepared, and hopeful.