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:

• Name the season you’re in (tired, touched‑out, over summer) and drop the mom guilt
• Laugh at the chaos (S.O.F.T.S. Syndrome, anyone?)
• Celebrate the tiny wins with “back‑to‑school awards” for parents
• 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?