In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you. (Deepak Chopra)
The crisp air of October marks the beginning of shorter days and an upswing in both school demands and extracurricular commitments. As your teen prepares for state championships or eagerly takes the stage for the school play, stress levels tend to skyrocket. Yet, amidst this flurry of activity, the household itself often descends into chaos, as schedules overlap and drive times become a dreaded antagonist. While we can’t conjure up extra hours or invoke Harry Potter’s “Apparate” spell, we can certainly navigate this October onslaught with some strategic planning and heartfelt communication.
The family calendar has likely become a mosaic of color-coded events, appointments, and deadlines. This is the perfect time to gather the family for an organizational check-in. Sit down together, and as a unit, assess how everyone is managing the load. How are stress levels? What’s the one thing each family member is most concerned about right now? By creating a judgment-free zone, you can encourage open sharing and a sense of belonging. Your teen is juggling school work, practice sessions, rehearsals, and the expectations that come with each. Expectations from peers, teachers, themselves and us as parents. It’s a symphony of stress, playing out in their lives as the calendar pages turn. What can you do as a parent? Let’s discuss a few practical strategies that can ease the tension and create an environment where both your teen and the household can flourish.
Create a judgment free zone as you have your family meeting. Gather around the table, and embark on the discussions. Let the conversations flow freely, discuss the upcoming challenges and possible solutions. Don’t forget to celebrate the wins, every project finished, every exam conquered, and every performance completed. Acknowledging achievements can boost confidence and remind teens of their resilience. After all, we all like to celebrate our personal achievements, even if it is not being late for after school pick-up. We all have something to celebrate. Carve out individual 1:1 time with your teens and each of your kids. Create a safe space where they can discuss not only school and activities but also personal growth, friendships, and any challenges they’re facing. In this intimate setting, we often unearth insights that might otherwise remain buried.
October is often the precursor to the chaos that accompanies holidays and travel plans. By checking in with your teen and addressing potential stressors now, you’re proactively preventing issues from escalating into a full-blown crisis. An intentional approach allows you to steer through the season with grace and cohesion, ensuring your household remains intact and few tears are shed.
So, as the leaves change color and the world embraces the magic of fall, take a moment to infuse your own world with intentionality. Recognize you have the power to create an environment where stress is managed, communication is cherished, and your teen feels supported through every step of their October journey.