The back-to-school season can bring excitement, but it can also increase stress and anxiety—especially for parents with a history of trauma. Major transitions, like a child starting a new school year, can disrupt the routines and predictability that help many trauma survivors feel grounded. In this article, you’ll learn why these changes can feel so overwhelming and discover two trauma-informed strategies to support emotional regulation, reduce stress, and navigate the school year with greater confidence and connection.
Do you feel guilty when you rest, even when you need a break? Between Bay Area hustle culture, everyday responsibilities, and the pressure to achieve, it’s easy to connect productivity with personal worth. Explore where that pressure comes from and how to make room for rest, connection, and a life you have time to enjoy.
Dana Hartman-Ngaloafe, LMFT Lic. # 105528
Palo Alto, CA
all photography provided by Erin Gleeson
