Back-to-School Isn’t Just for Kids: Lessons for Parents and Professionals

This fall, my twin sons headed into 2nd grade, an exciting milestone, but also one that came with a lot of mixed emotions. 
 
The night before, they were full of questions: 
“How much work will I have to do?” 
“Will my teacher like me?” 
 
Their little faces showed both anticipation and apprehension. As a parent, I reassured them the way we all do: reminding them of their strengths, encouraging them to be brave, and letting them know that even if it feels scary, they’re ready for this next step. 
 
But as I walked them to the bus, I couldn’t help but reflect: aren’t we all still facing our own “first days”? 

September as a Reset Button for Back-to-School Anxiety 

Back-to-school anxiety isn’t just about children. For many of us, September feels like a second New Year, a natural point to reset, refocus, and recommit. With just three months left in 2025, it’s the perfect time to pause and ask ourselves: 
 
- Where do I want to finish strong this year? 
- What challenges am I avoiding because they feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable? 
- How can I model resilience for the people who are watching me, my kids, my team, my community? 
 
Just as our children step into new classrooms with unknowns ahead, we too face new projects, shifting workplaces, and evolving personal identities. The anxieties may look different, but the feelings are universal. 

Modeling Resilience and Coping with Transitions 

One of the most powerful things we can do, for our children and for those we lead—is to model resilience. 
 
When my sons voiced their worries, I didn’t dismiss them. I acknowledged the fear, reminded them of times they had been brave before, and encouraged them to lean into the newness. In leadership and professional life, the same principles apply. 
 
- Acknowledge the discomfort instead of pretending it’s not there. 
- Draw on past strengths to remind yourself what you’re capable of. 
- Step forward anyway, even if the path feels uncertain. 
 
Resilience doesn’t mean eliminating fear, it means walking with it. Therapy for parents and families can also help build these skills. 

A Call to Finish the Year Strong 

As we close out the final stretch of 2025, I encourage you to treat this season as your own “back-to-school moment.” Ask yourself: 
 
- What new challenge can I step into with curiosity instead of hesitation? 
- Where can I embrace change, rather than resist it? 
- How can I finish this year with intention and courage, rather than exhaustion? 
 
Our children remind us every fall that growth often comes in the form of new routines, new anxieties, and new opportunities. Maybe it’s time we remind ourselves of the same.