Navigating a Challenging Back-to-School Season

Kids have been in class for about a month, (the Alberta Teachers' strike notwithstanding) but the fall back-to-school season isn’t like a switch that instantly changes everyone from summer to fall mode. It can take families time to “shift gears” and get back into the set routine of the season. 

Whether they're in classes or staying home while the strike is in progress, the fall routine might involve juggling homework help, hockey practice, or even dealing with teen high school angst. That same back-to-school energy (and stress) can affect not just parents and caregivers, but also colleagues in the workplace. 

Back-to-school often brings a wide spectrum of emotions for kids from K to 12, says educational psychology researcher Dr. Meadow Schroeder, MSc’05, PhD’10, an associate professor in the Werklund School of Education specializing in school and applied child psychology.  

“Many kids look forward to seeing their friends again and some even miss the learning and structure school provides,” she explains. “Younger children can often struggle with separation anxiety, while older students worry about fitting in socially or keeping up academically.” 

For those entering a transition like junior high, the challenge is especially pronounced as they navigate multiple teachers, new subjects and even lockers for the first time. Children with ADHD, learning disabilities or autism may feel these transitions most acutely, as changes in routine can amplify stress. 

Even as late as October, kids and families may still be navigating these issues. 

Schroeder says routines are key because they help kids feel secure, cut down on conflict at home, and even support brain function like memory and attention. She recommends consistent bedtimes, wake-ups and morning rituals (even on weekends) to keep days calmer and more predictable. 

Parents can also make a difference in how they talk with their children about school. Schroeder cautions against “interrogating” kids the moment they get home, when they may be tired or hungry. Instead, she suggests waiting until dinner, car rides or bedtime and asking specific questions such as, “What was something funny that happened today?” over the generic “How was school?” 

Teachers can help ease the transition, Schroeder says, by normalizing feelings, providing calm-down strategies and showing genuine interest in each child’s background. 

Moms and Dads Get Stressed Out, Too! 

Parents themselves will often face stress that extends well beyond their child’s school. With demands in the mornings, extracurricular activity in the evenings and a steady flow of school communications to manage, it’s no surprise some find it harder to concentrate at work.  

Schroeder says parents may carry guilt or worry if their child struggles and they sometimes need unexpected time away. Workplaces, she says, can help by offering flexibility, encouraging a culture where family challenges are not seen as unprofessional and reminding staff of resources such as employee-assistance programs. 

The first weeks of school can be particularly tough for working parents, says organizational development (OD) expert Gillian Rasmussen, BA’00. After a summer of camps and childcare, many welcome the steadiness of the school schedule, but struggle with the sudden pace of extracurriculars.   

“It is smart to remember this when planning work,” says Rasmussen of workplace leaders. “If (a parent is) new to your team, they may not feel comfortable asking; you checking in about that in advance can mean a lot.” 

Take Care of Yourself and Your Staff 

Families need to show themselves some grace while settling in to the fall schedule, says Jackie Killick, a senior OD consultant with UCalgary Talent management and a parent. 

“Focus on what you can control, like exercising, eating well, getting enough sleep and maintaining social connections,” Killick says. “The new routine will become familiar in no time.” 

Killick echoes Rasmussen’s call for flexibility and care in the workplace. Even temporary measures like offering hybrid meetings or adjusting hours in the fall months can show meaningful support. 

“The flexibility will be appreciated more than you know,” she says. Killick also suggests ensuring employees are reminded of assistance programs that can help them or their families through stressful periods. 

Fall is a time of transition for both children and adults, says Kirstie Cantrill, also a UCalgary OD consultant and parent of three boys, adding this year has the added pressure of the teacher’s strike.  

“As an OD professional, I see the strain that change places on people in the workplace,” she says. “It’s not just about logistics; it’s about managing energy, emotions and uncertainty.” 

Cantrill stresses leaders don’t need to have all the answers, but they do need to show empathy. Checking in, adjusting schedules, or simply acknowledging the extra load can build trust and loyalty.  

Her personal perspective underscores the point: with a fifth grader, second grader and kindergartener at home, she has learned to let go of perfection. “Some days run smoothly; others are a scramble,” Cantrill says. Clear priorities and predictable routines help, but so does a leader who recognizes the season’s unique challenges, she says. 

“Sometimes, there is no avoiding failure,” Cantrill admits. “I’m grateful for the support I have at work that creates a soft place to land when it happens.” 

Even small gestures matter, she adds. Showing understanding if someone needs to revise their schedule in challenging times, avoiding timing critical meetings during family crunch times, or simply asking, “How things are going for your family?” can help ease the pressure. 

“When parents feel seen and supported through these challenges, it strengthens engagement and loyalty in the long run,” Cantrill says. 

Happy Life, Happy Office? 

Rasmussen says this type of support just about morale; it’s about performance. High-performing teams rely on psychological safety and the trust that people can bring their whole selves to work.   

Rasmussen says the energy of the season can be motivating, but leaders should be careful not to overload teams before parents and children have fully settled into routines.  

Schroeder echoes this, noting that, “while the season can feel energizing, kids often need consistency more than change.” 

Shorter daylight hours and packed schedules can also affect mood and energy for both kids and parents. Rasmussen suggests leaders plan ahead by identifying who on their teams might need things like childcare support if schools close, a practical step that also communicates awareness and care. 

Taken together, these perspectives show that back to school isn’t just a family milestone, it’s a transition that ripples through classrooms, homes and workplaces. For kids, it’s about knowing their feelings are valid and having routines to support them. For parents, it’s about balancing care for children with care for themselves. And, for leaders, it’s about responding with flexibility, empathy and an understanding that even small gestures can make a big difference. 

Quick Fire Takeaways 

Here’s what our experts say can make the fall season smoother for kids, parents and workplaces, alike: 

• Routines matter: Consistent bedtimes, wake-ups and morning rituals help young ones feel secure and reduce stress for the whole family.
• Conversations count: Ask kids specific, low-pressure questions (“What was something funny that happened today?”) instead of “How was school?”
• Grace at home: Parents can’t do it all perfectly; focus on priorities and use tools like a family calendar to stay organized.
• Flexibility at work: Leaders can ease stress with small gestures, hybrid options, flexible hours or simply asking how things are going.
• Culture of care: When schools, families and workplaces show empathy during this transition, everyone from kids, parents and teams will benefit.