How to Turn Back-to-School Chaos into Calm as a Couple

The school year is back in full swing. If you're a parent, that probably means your calendar just got a whole lot crazier. In today’s episode, we’re tackling three common back-to-school stressors and sharing practical ways you and your spouse can turn chaos into calm.

3 BACK-TO-SCHOOL CHALLENGES COUPLES FACE

1. Syncing family schedules
2. Emotional exhaustion
3. Parenting style conflicts

PRACTICAL WAYS TO TURN CHAOS INTO CALM

1. Have a calendar white board and daily check ins
2. Give each other time alone for self-care and also take breaks together
3. Stop, ask, and listen, and use the 49/51 percent rule

TAKE THE “US TIME” CHALLENGE

Talk with your spouse about what the top challenges are for you as we head into this new school year. Then, brainstorm some practical ways you can turn that chaos into calm as a team.

CONNECT WITH US

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TEAM US RESOURCES

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• “Kids reflect on the start of a new school year” by Ayesha Rascoe at NPR (https://www.npr.org/2024/09/08/nx-s1-5101763/kids-reflect-on-the-start-of-a-new-school-year)
• “How to Cope with Parental Burnout as a Couple” by Kristin and Todd Evans at Focus on the Family (https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/parenting-stress-in-marriage-how-to-cope-as-a-couple/)
• “One Ritual You and Your Partner Need to Feel More Connected” by Aaron and April Jacob at Gottman Institute (https://www.gottman.com/blog/one-ritual-partner-need-feel-connected/)
• “How to Navigate Different Parenting Styles” by Kendra Han at Gottman Institute (https://www.gottman.com/blog/navigate-different-parenting-styles/)

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