Every September, two seemingly separate stories unfold:

• Children heading back to school with new backpacks and sharpened pencils.

• Adults returning to work with fresh meeting agendas and full inboxes.

On the surface, these experiences look different. But at their core, they reveal the same human truth: both children and adults face an emotional and psychological shift when moving from summer’s freedom back into structured routine.

Excitement. Nervousness. Resistance. Even dread.

And here’s the key — sometimes these feelings are normal adjustment. Other times, they signal something deeper: misalignment.

When “Back to School” Becomes More Than a Phase

For children, misalignment isn’t about simply disliking homework. It can look like:

• Persistent anxiety or sadness

• Refusal to go to school

• Loss of joy in learning

Often, the problem isn’t school itself, but a mismatch between the child and the classroom, curriculum, or school culture.

The Adult Version: Back to Work Blues

For adults, misalignment might show up as:

• Resistance to returning after holidays

• Burnout that lingers no matter the rest

• A sense of numbness or disconnection

This doesn’t always mean someone dislikes their job. More often, it’s a sign the role, team, or even career path doesn’t align with their energy, values, or deeper drive.

The Gift of Summer: Clarity

Summer offers more than rest. It shows us (and our children) in our natural state — relaxed, joyful, and connected. When the return to structure creates a painful contrast, it’s not something to ignore.

It’s a signal. A mirror. An invitation to realign.

Why Early Listening Matters

Whether it’s school or work, waiting too long to acknowledge misalignment risks long-term harm — crisis, collapse, or burnout.

• For children: Parents must notice the difference between normal adjustment and a deeper mismatch.

• For adults: We must listen to our own inner voice, rather than silencing it and “pushing through.”

Thriving vs. Surviving

The transition back — whether to the classroom or the workplace — is not just about getting back into routine. It’s about asking:

Does this environment truly support my (or my child’s) physical, mental, and emotional well-being?

When we pay attention early, we set ourselves — and the next generation — on paths where we can thrive, not just survive.

Final Thought

This September, as backpacks are filled and calendars reset, take a moment to check in:

• Is what you’re returning to aligned with who you are?

• If not, what small steps can you take now to realign before stress builds into burnout?

Back to school. Back to work. Same human story. The real lesson is learning to listen.