Relief isn't the same as recovery.

For neurodivergent parents — and for parents supporting neurodivergent children — school holidays often require sustained regulation, planning, and emotional labour.

By the time school returns, the body may still be carrying:

• accumulated sensory load

• disrupted routines

• decision fatigue

• reduced recovery time

Relief doesn’t automatically undo that.

Starting the school year depleted isn’t a personal failure.
It’s a signal that your system has been working hard for a long time.

Transitions draw on capacity

Even positive or relieving transitions require energy.

Back to school can involve:

• early mornings

• increased time pressure

• social and sensory demands

• emotional transitions for children — and parents

Supporting others through change while you’re already running low is genuinely hard.

If things feel heavier than expected right now, that doesn’t mean you’re “not coping well enough.”
It means the load is real.

Going gently is a valid response

When you’re starting from an empty tank, the goal isn’t optimisation.

It’s sustainability.

This might mean:

• lowering expectations for a while

• choosing “good enough” over “done properly”

• building in small moments of rest or regulation where you can

• letting some things wait

Going gently isn’t giving up.
It’s responding wisely to your current capacity.

A final reminder

You don’t need to justify your experience.

Whether back to school feels like relief, exhaustion, or a confusing mix of both — your response makes sense.

Be kind to yourself here.
Gentle starts matter.
You and your family deserve wellbeing.