Healthy Living
Ah, summer—carefree days, warm weather, and plenty of time outdoors. There’s something special about long beach days, backyard barbecues, and boardwalk nights with family and friends. That’s why so many of us cringe when the first back-to-school ads appear or pumpkins pop up in the supermarket. Summer barely feels underway, and suddenly fall is at our doorstep. By Labor Day, it can seem as if summer has passed in the blink of an eye.
Here in South Jersey, late August means kids swap flip-flops for sneakers and sandcastles for school desks. But it’s not just children who feel that pang of back-to-school anxiety. Parents shoulder the pressure of schedules, carpools and endless to-do lists. Even adults without kids often experience their own version of “end-of-summer sadness.” The shift from easygoing summer days to the structure of September can be tough on everyone.
The first step in managing these emotions is to acknowledge them. Kids may worry about new teachers, classmates or homework. Parents often stress about balancing work and family demands. Others simply grieve the loss of a season they love. Instead of brushing aside these feelings, it helps to recognize them as a normal part of seasonal change.
For children, reassurance goes a long way. Studies show nearly one in three kids feels heightened stress during the back-to-school season. Let them know nerves are normal and usually fade once they get into the rhythm of school again. Creating structure can also smooth the transition. A simple morning routine—such as laying out clothes, packing lunches or planning breakfast—sets the stage for a calmer day.
Building independence is another helpful step. Younger kids can practice opening their lunchboxes or walking to the bus stop. Older students may benefit from organizing supplies or learning to use a planner. These small actions boost confidence and reduce uncertainty, which is often at the root of anxiety.
Parents, meanwhile, need to keep tabs on their own stress. Children are like emotional sponges; they pick up on your energy. If you’re frazzled, they’ll feel it. Give yourself permission to let go of perfection. Mornings won’t always run smoothly, and that’s OK. Showing your kids that you can handle transitions with patience and flexibility will help them do the same.
Even if you don’t have school-aged children, it’s common to feel the letdown of summer ending. Psychologists call this “transitional stress.” The slower pace, long evenings and rituals we’ve come to love are suddenly behind us. One way to ease the sting is to keep a bit of summer alive. Take a September beach walk, host a barbecue on a warm evening or eat dinner outdoors. Plan something to look forward to, like a weekend getaway, a bike ride or a cozy fall dinner with friends. Shifting your mindset from what you’re losing to what’s ahead makes the transition easier.
Here’s the good news: fall truly brings its own kind of magic. The crisp air, colorful leaves and new routines can be refreshing after the intensity of summer. Pumpkin spice may get all the attention, but autumn also offers crisp apples, hearty soups and evenings made for blankets and movies. It’s a season to reset, recharge and enjoy traditions that only come once a year.
September at the Shore is underrated. Locals know it, and visitors who vacation at this time get the best of both worlds. The weather is still warm, the ocean water is often at its peak temperature, and the sunsets are breathtaking, but the crowds are thinner, the traffic lighter and it’s much easier to get a dinner reservation at your favorite restaurant. For many, September is the best time of year here. It’s summer without the stress.
So, while back-to-school season and the close of summer will always bring mixed emotions, they don’t have to overwhelm us. Whether you’re helping kids adjust to a new classroom or managing your own end-of-summer blues, remember that every season brings something valuable. Summer may be winding down, but joy doesn’t end with Labor Day. At the Jersey Shore, September is a gift, and fall offers countless opportunities to slow down, savor and embrace what’s next.
Robin is a former television reporter for NBC News 40. She currently hosts a podcast and radio program called Living Well with Robin Stoloff. It airs Sundays at 10 AM on Lite 96.9. You can email Robin at livingwellwithrobin@gmail.com
