Back to school blues

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Back-to-school season is upon us! And that’s why we created a special toolkit to launch your teen into independence. 20 skills, delivered to your inbox one day at a time. You don’t want to miss this one. Sign up here!

 How to Manage Senior Year Stress

So you blinked and your “baby” is no longer a baby. If you have a child heading into senior year, you know this is a time that’s both 1) exciting and 2) emotionally taxing, according to experts and teens alike. College applications, all sorts of last “firsts,” and so much more.

How can we, as parents, help cut down on the chaos and double up on the fun? Glad you asked.

• Spot the symptoms of stress. Self-isolation, appetite changes, and difficulty sleeping are all tell-tale signs your teen is under too much pressure. Keep an eye out for any changes in behavior. 

• Embrace your supporting role. Sometimes fixing everything or giving out advice isn’t what your teen needs. Allow them ownership over their own actions and feelings—it’ll show you trust them.

• Keep school talk to a minimum. We realize this is easier said than done. But everyone will ask your kid about “what’s next” this year, so give them a break when you can.

What else helps you help your kids on the verge of flying the coop? Hit reply and tell us your tactics.

Tackle Bedtime with Netflix Jr.’s Popular Podcast

Winning the bedtime battle with your kids can feel like an impossible task, but what if you had a little extra help?

Enter Bedtime Stories with Netflix Jr., the Signal Award-winning and chart-topping Kids & Family podcast made to help kids drift off to sleep alongside characters from their favorite streaming series (like StoryBots and Super Monsters).

Created with a childhood development expert, the show helps children successfully transition to sleep and build skills to navigate the world.

Listen to Bedtime Stories.

You Having Friends Is Good for Your Kids

Parenthood doesn’t mean that your friendships need to end. Even if you’re drowning in mismatched schedules, rain checks, and zero spontaneity with your girlfriends. Because? Both you and your kids are better off when you have an inner circle.

We’ll explain: “Give your kids a picture of what love, commitment, and friendship looks like. Do this for them. And do this for you, too,” author and mental health expert Dr. John Delony said.

• For them: Kids mimic what they see. We can teach them how to be a good friend by being good friends ourselves.

• For you: We’re, like, the poster children for investing in adult friendships. Having people to turn to outside of your kids and partner is crucial for your mental health.

No one is saying you have to have a long roster of friends and a packed social calendar every weekend. Everyone’s version of friendship looks different. But keep this in mind next time you’re tempted to cancel book club.

Having ‘The Talk’ Doesn’t Have to Be Weird

Ok, maybe it will always be a little weird. No matter how progressive you are, talking to your teens about sex is typically not something any parent is psyched to do. But it also doesn’t have to be so clinical.

One mom on TikTok created a fun and interactive presentation that covered everything from navigating a crush to to safe sex. Say what you will about PowerPoints…but it totally worked! Some of us parents of teens could take notes. It’s informal (there were snacks!) and it creates an open dialogue between you and your kid. Everybody wins!

The back-to-school days can be tough. Here are a few tips, tricks, and jokes from fellow parents to get you through it:

• This time of year is packed with change. So? Tips from our Common Parent community to help make the transition a little smoother!

• We dig this mom’s genius cookie tradition to get her kids talking about their first day back at school.

• We LOVE our kids more than anything…but maybe we relate to this feeling when they’re back at school just a little bit. 😜

• Bookmark this one! Great resources for teens to stay organized and in a good headspace.