Parents, if you’re anything like me, you can start to feel the dial turning in April. You’ve recovered—mostly—from the holiday chaos, hopefully squeezed in a somewhat relaxing spring break, and are now doing your warm-up pushups for the final stretch of the academic year.
For some of us who have done this year in and year out, this rotation may feel like a well-oiled machine and for some of us newbies, it may feel like we’re swatting gnats while staring into the blazing summer sun. Okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but the truth remains: Maycember – that stretch of time at the end of the school year – can be uniquely vulnerable, no matter your experience level.
We’re juggling end-of-year gifts, parties, recitals (and their multiple rehearsals), sports, Spirit Week, field trips, summer planning, summer camps, our summer schedule and final exams—all while still managing the daily logistics of work, home, and the emotional rollercoasters of our rightfully exhausted kids.
This year, I noticed a shift. My stress levels felt more manageable. I even caught myself thinking, “Wow, maybe it doesn’t have to be so bad.” While that may have been a bit naive (hello, sheer panic moments), I realized the ratio of favorable to unfavorable emotions was more balanced. In many ways, I coasted.
Here’s what helped.
Step 1: Check In With Yourself
Take inventory. Look for signs that something inside may need attention:
- Increased irritability or anger
- Disturbed or decreased sleep
- Feelings of dread
- Persistent fatigue or exhaustion
- Worry around managing tasks
- Social withdrawal
- Low mood
- Difficulty keeping up with daily responsibilities
Step 2: Choose Effective Over Perfect
Prioritize Tasks
Separate the must-dos from the nice-to-dos. With the endless Pinterest boards, TikTok “super-parents”, and group chat suggestions, the pressure to overperform is real. Focus on what’s non-negotiable—and let the rest go if time or energy doesn’t allow it.
Find Support
You’re not alone. Connect with your therapist, friends, or fellow parents. Parent social media support groups or even a quick conversation at school pickup can provide clarity, reduce stress, and remind you that this is a shared experience.
Manage Your Expectations
Parent A might send a personalized gift basket. Parent B might opt for a gift card. Parent C might hand over a heartfelt thank-you note. All are valid. None are wrong. Reflect on what’s effective for you—not how others may judge you.
Simplify Where You Can
Cut the volume of stress. Order takeout more. Cook simpler meals. Buy store-bought thank-you cards instead of crafting the “perfect” one. Carpool instead of driving solo. Reclaim your time—use it for other tasks or, better yet, for yourself. (Yes, permission to chill is granted.)
Do Something Fun
Balance the busyness with joy. Enjoy the warmer weather. Plan a casual hangout with friends. Watch a comedy. Break the cycle of nonstop tasks—your mind and body will thank you, and you may even find the next chore a little more bearable … maybe even fun.
Practice Self-Compassion
Be gentle with yourself. Take breaks. Have fun. If you’re giving 70% instead of your usual 100%, that’s still showing up—and sometimes, that’s more than enough. Create a kind internal mantra for the tough moments: “I am doing enough. I am enough.”
And remember—this is temporary. It will end.
We’re humans who happen to be parents—not the other way around. Caring for ourselves helps us show up more authentically for our families. Adjusting expectations doesn’t mean you love your kids or their teachers any less. It simply means you’re making room for your own humanity, too.
Looking for even more parenting support from our team? Check out another of Divya’s posts with effective strategies teaching you how to build a collaborative team approach with your child!
Here at ChangeWell, we know that no family is perfect, and even families with the best of intentions and all the love in the world can experience misunderstandings, loss of connection, and communication breakdowns.
We proudly offer therapy for the whole family, as well as therapy for parents, to help foster closeness, connection, and trust. Contact us today to get started.
