The start of the school year often comes with a whirlwind of sharpened pencils, early mornings, permission slips, and shifting routines. While most of the attention naturally falls on helping children make the transition, parents carry the weight of it too. Between emotional support, scheduling logistics, and the never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to feel stretched thin and forget that back-to-school is also a big adjustment for us parents.

The principles of Parenting in SPACE—safety, support, supervision, structure, playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy—offer more than just a way to care for children. They can also serve as a gentle guide for how we care for ourselves during this busy season.

Sometimes self-care begins with creating a sense of safety. For us parents, this might mean setting boundaries that protect our energy, like leaving extra time in the morning so the day doesn’t start in a rush, or saying no to commitments that overfill our calendar. That sense of safety deepens when we allow ourselves to be supported. Lean on a partner, a friend, or our wider community, and remember that we don’t have to hold everything by ourselves.

Supervision might sound like another responsibility, but here it means checking in with ourselves. Notice when we’re running on empty, when our patience is wearing thin, or when stress is beginning to take a toll. These moments of awareness allow us to tend to our needs before exhaustion turns into burnout. Structure can help here too—small rituals like a morning cup of coffee, a consistent bedtime, or a simple meal plan can create steadiness when life feels chaotic.

And amidst all the seriousness, don’t forget to be playful. A laugh in the carpool line, a silly dance in the kitchen, or a few minutes enjoying something just for fun can lighten the weight of responsibility. Paired with acceptance—the recognition that forgotten forms and missed buses are part of real life—playfulness helps release the pressure of perfection.

Curiosity is another gift. Instead of criticizing ourselves for being stressed, ask what our feelings might be telling us. What do you need right now? What would help you feel more grounded? Curiosity shifts you out of self-blame and into gentle problem-solving.

Through it all, empathy is what carries us. Just as we comfort our children with compassion, we can offer ourselves the same kindness. A quiet reminder—“This is hard, and I’m not alone”—can soften your inner critic and reconnect you with your own strength.

Back-to-school is always a season of change. When you use SPACE not only for your children but also for yourself, you create more steadiness, more compassion, and more capacity to show up fully for your family. Caring for yourself is not separate from parenting—it’s part of it.

And if you or your family could use extra support in putting these principles into practice, the psychotherapists at TreeHouse Health are here to help. We specialize in elevating mental health and emotional wellness for kids, teens, and parents—and we’d love to walk alongside you in bringing the Parenting in SPACE principles into your everyday life.

(AI assisted in writing this article)