Living in Transition

Kimberly Smiley, PsyD
770-953-4744 ext. 25
Published at: 15 September 2022

My family and I have been feeling the impact of recent transitions on many levels. The most obvious transition is the “back-to-school” one. My son is transitioning into public school from private school, from middle school to high school, and from one soccer club to another. My daughter is transitioning from a school she attended since she was 2 years old to a new school. This change will be the first big transition for her. From my kids’ perspective, I am transitioning from “fun summer mom” back to “all business mom” and “the homework police!” From my perspective, I am transitioning from a routine that is less predictable and less taxing to a routine that is very predictable and very demanding. Needless to say, we are a bit exhausted, before we’ve even started the academic year.

The idea of transitions and how to ease myself and my children into them played on my mind for many months.  As the school year became imminent, I kept asking myself which strategies might help. It was definitely time to “practice what I preach.” I set several ideas in motion in hopes to soften the blow of the new transitions we were about to face.

For my daughter, we worked on making social connections with other children/families at her new school. We attended all school events for new families. We also scheduled activities with friends from her old school. It was very important to my daughter that she remain connected to her friends from her old school. My daughter also found excitement in preparing her things for the first day of school. She had her backpack packed about 2 weeks early! In regards to my son, we focused on information gathering. We looked at course schedules and school maps to help with the logistical side of the “first day” jitters. Prior to stepping on campus, we confirmed he was able to connect to the school Wi-Fi, giving him access to school particulars and, if needed, a connection to home. We made sure he was logged into all school apps and websites. In addition, we created “cheat sheets” for him to keep handy in case he forgot important information such as his student ID number or usernames and passwords! With respect to myself, I continued routines that involve self-care. Even though time was limited, I made exercise and visits with friends a priority. I focused on both school websites, familiarizing myself with protocols and procedures. I connected with other parents I know or met, to ask for advice and notable information. 

I reminded myself that no matter how prepared we think we are, the first week of school will feel chaotic and emotionally charged. I also reminded myself that feeling chaotic and emotional is okay, especially given the challenges of the week.

One final thought on working through transitions is the idea of acceptance. Even though we prepped and educated ourselves, once the first day of school came we simply had to lean into it. We had to accept that we could not predict every problem that may come. We had to lean into the changes ahead and trust that we can handle it.

As we all transition from summer to fall, I hope we can do so with positive anticipation.  Our kids are growing up.  Some of our kids are having their own kids! With each year we practice here at PFPA, we become more “seasoned” in our crafts. Our practice is always transitioning it seems.  With that said, PFPA has become bigger and better despite any growing pains.  Let’s all take a deep breath and lean into the rest of 2022!


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