Hi Reader,
Do you ever feel like summer is either magical… or maddening? I’ve felt both, often in the same day. Here in Inverness, we are on the last day of summer break. And it's been a mixbag!
Things I’ve actually said under my breath this summer:
“Have as many crisps as you want if you just give me 10 minutes of peace.”
“What are the chances of me going for a pee without you following?”
And the thoughts I’ve caught myself thinking:
“I’m supposed to be a parent coach… why can’t I handle my own kid arguing about toothpaste?”
“When did I become so mean?!”
…and on other days, “This is the happiest I’ve felt in forever.”
That’s the mix, isn’t it? The swing between joy and frustration, connection and chaos. Some days I want to freeze time, other days I just want bedtime.
And yet, what I keep coming back to is this: we’re often closer to a “better day” than it feels.
Here are a few small shifts that have really helped:
- Spot the good. Notice the people, places, and activities that feel easy, fun, or doable - then lean into them more. Even tiny bright spots matter (a quiet cuppa, a neighbour who “gets it,” or a kid who suddenly makes you belly laugh).
- Involve your kids. Most of us cope better when we know what to expect, and our kids are no different. A 5-minute chat about the week ahead (“this is the day for the park, this is the day for a playdate, "we've got a free day here to choose...”) helps them feel like things are happening with them, not to them. Offering choices (even if it's around the order, the timing, or even which toy comes along) gives them a sense of control and makes for far less resistance.
- Step outside or turn on the tunes. It sounds too simple, but a few minutes of fresh air or a blast of a favourite song resets the nervous system for all of us. When the chaos and the mess feel too much, a quick walk, a dance off, turning on the radio, a cuppa in the garden, or just opening the back door really does shift things.
So if your summer felt messy in the middle, you’re not alone. Parenting isn’t about perfect days - it’s about finding your footing in the wobblier ones.
And if you’re craving steadier ground as we move into the new term, this is the work I love to do with parents. You can book a free discovery call with me here - I’d love to hear your story and help you find your way back to calm, confident, connected.
I’m off to try to reclaim my house after six weeks of sheer mayhem and about eight packets of crackers, most of which are currently down the side of the sofa.
Love
Fiona
P.S. My final hack if your kid is nervous about school — skip the pressure of the Day 1 photo. Take it on Day 2 instead. I promise… no one will ever know. 😉
