A Gentle Reminder for Teachers and Parents This School Year
The start of a new school year brings a flurry of activity. After the slower pace of summer, we return to alarm clocks, structured schedules, lesson plans, after-school activities, and packed calendars. On the surface, it may feel like everyone is “back to normal.” But beneath that structure, many teachers and parents are carrying stress, worry, or fatigue that’s often overlooked or disregarded.
This season brings unique challenges. It’s a time of transition, and with that transition comes pressure, responsibility, and emotional strain. That’s why, this month, I encourage you to pause and check in with yourself.
For Teachers
Teachers, you’ve just met a new group of students, started to see their personalities, and maybe already spotted the children who might need more behavioral support or academic attention. You may be preparing for quizzes, standardized testing, or new schoolwide initiatives. And (on top of all that,) you might be navigating new administrators, staff members, or policies that shift the culture of your school.
It may come so easily to you to put all your energy into creating a safe and engaging classroom. It may also be easy to forget your own well-being. A simple check-in can be powerful. Ask yourself:
Am I more tired or irritable than usual after school?
Do I feel supported by my colleagues, or am I isolating myself?
Is anxiety about testing, behavior, or curriculum overwhelming me?
Am I making time for rest and joy outside of the classroom?
These questions aren’t meant to be judgmental. They’re for you to bring awareness to yourself and what you need.
For Parents
Parents, you’ve also jumped headfirst into school-year routines: early morning drop-offs, late-night homework help, after-school activities, and everything in between. While some parents thrive in that structure, others might miss the slower, more relaxed feel of summer. Most experience a mix of both.
What’s normal is the stress that comes with this season. Maybe you’re advocating for your child in IEP or 504 meetings. Maybe you’re supporting them as they learn English as a second language. Or maybe you’re simply navigating the rollercoaster of friendships, academic expectations, and after-school sports.
This is your reminder, too, that while it’s natural to pour your energy into your children, you need care, too. Checking in with yourself might sound like:
Am I getting enough rest, or am I running on fumes?
Do I feel guilty about not “doing enough” for my child?
Am I holding anxiety about my child’s academic or social success?
Do I have any time for myself, my relationships, or my hobbies?
Even if the answer is “not really,” that awareness is the first step toward change.
Time to Check In With Yourself
Why Self-Check-Ins Matter
We’ve all heard the saying: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” The reality is, your ability to show up for your children or students is directly tied to how well you’re showing up for yourself. Ignoring your own needs can lead to burnout, which shows up as irritability, fatigue, loss of motivation, or even physical symptoms, like headaches or muscle tension.
Self-check-ins don’t have to take a lot of time. They might look like:
Morning reflection: Taking a few minutes to ask, How am I feeling today? What do I need?
Body awareness: Noticing somatic signs of stress, like tight shoulders or headaches.
Micro-breaks: Allowing yourself small pauses, whether that’s sitting quietly in the car after drop-off or breathing deeply between classes.
Boundaries: Saying “no” when you need to, whether that means turning down an extra committee or limiting after-school commitments.
These small practices can make a big difference in how you handle the very real demands of the school year.
A Gentle Invitation to Teachers and Parents in Charlotte, NC
As the school year unfolds, I encourage you, teachers and parents alike, to pause, breathe, and ask: How am I really doing?
If the answer is “stressed,” “overwhelmed,” or “not okay,” please know you don’t have to carry that alone. Therapy can give you space to recharge, reflect, and strengthen the tools you already have to navigate this busy season.
If you’d like to start small, sign up for my free monthly newsletter, where I share reflections and resources for everyone, including parents and teachers. And if you’re ready for more support, I invite you to schedule a session with me.
At Perry Wellness Counseling, I support both teachers and parents who are navigating the stress and responsibility of this time of year. For teachers, therapy can be a safe space to process classroom challenges, deal with burnout, and develop coping strategies. For parents, therapy can provide tools for advocating for your child, balancing your needs with your family’s, and finding healthier rhythms for your household.
While I’m based in Charlotte, NC, I also offer online therapy across North Carolina and South Carolina, making it easier to get support even with a busy schedule. Together, we can move through this school year with greater calm, clarity, and confidence.
I would like to be clear that this blog post is not intended to substitute for professional counseling. If you are in need of support, please consider speaking to a professional counselor.
Cheryl D. Perry MA, LCMHC, LPC, NCC
