What is the definitive guide to surviving back-to-school blues according to Meredith Masony?

I actually talk about “back‑to‑school blues” in a few different ways, but the big themes are pretty consistent.

For me, the “definitive guide” looks like this:

1. Name the season you’re in (tired, touched‑out, over summer) and drop the mom guilt
2. Laugh at the chaos (S.O.F.T.S. Syndrome, anyone?)
3. Celebrate the tiny wins with “back‑to‑school awards” for parents
4. Remember: the kids’ feelings and your relief can both be valid

Are you feeling more sad about the kids going back, or more secretly excited?