📚✨ The Bittersweet Countdown to Back-to-School

It’s almost here.

The shoes are polished, the uniforms are folded with military precision (well… close enough), and the lunchboxes are ready to be filled with things they’ll totally not eat. That’s right — school goes back on Monday, and I’ve got a mix of emotions swirling around like a fidget spinner on a sugar rush.

And if you’re anything like me, you're quietly celebrating while also feeling a teeny bit guilty about counting down the days. Because shouldn’t I be soaking up these magical holiday moments? Shouldn’t I be savoring every second of the chaos and sticky fingerprints?

Yeah... maybe.
But also: I’m tired.

💛 It’s Not Just an ASD/ADHD Parent Thing

Yes, as a mum to two neurodivergent girls — one with ASD and the other likely ADHD — school holidays hit differently. The sensory overload, the constant movement, the emotional rollercoaster... it’s a full-time job just trying to keep up.

But let’s be real — every parent has felt this.
Whether your child is neurodivergent or neurotypical, the holidays are exhausting.
Juggling activities, playdates, snack requests, 700 outfit changes, and finding just five peaceful minutes to work while pretending Bluey is babysitting — it’s Olympic-level parenting.

🎢 The Countdown Cycle

And here’s the kicker — we get excited for school to go back, thinking “Yes! A routine again! I’ll get so much done!”...
Only to be instantly slapped with:

• Homework folders

• Sports schedules

• School meetings

• And oh yes, for us: extra plans for our two little runners who keep teachers on their toes!

So we blink, and suddenly we’re counting down to the next school holidays, promising ourselves we’ll be more organised “next time.”
(Spoiler alert: we won’t.)
Because 10 weeks goes by faster than a kid unbuckling their seatbelt while you’re still driving.

🧘♀️ Be Gentle With Yourself

So if you’re feeling a bit guilty for celebrating the return of school, don’t.
You're allowed to love your children fiercely while also craving the sweet, sweet silence of a solo cup of tea.
You’re allowed to look forward to drop-off day with joy and dread the next round of permission slips and laundry battles.

You’re doing your best — and honestly? That’s more than enough.

P.S. Need a calming tool to survive the first week back? Our free My Thoughtful Space routine chart is perfect for little minds adjusting to the school grind again. Join us here at Sensory Planet and your free routine chart will be delivered straight to your inbox and it's up to you how you would like to display it.