S4 E1: How can we best survive back-to-school season stress?

Paul Springer joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about how the transition from summer to fall can impact family dynamics and provide advice on navigating potential challenges. Chapters 00:00 — Introduction 00:56 — Why Fall Transitions Feel Overwhelming 05:15 — Choosing Priorities Before the Schedule Fills Up 06:53 — Setting Boundaries and Managing Time 08:05 — Staying Connected Through Busy Seasons 10:12 — Rest and Self-Care as a Foundation 12:24 — Social Media, Comparison, and Family Stress 14:46 — A Humble Take on Family Expertise Takeaways Transitions themselves are often stressful. During the fall, this combines with an increased cognitive load from being busier, which can cause increased tensions and emotional outbursts. Being intentional about selecting activities that most reflect your family’s values can help mitigate some of the stress. Springer encourages families to view downtime, self-care, and consistent family connection as necessities, rather than rewards. About Springer Paul Springer is a professor and the head of the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at Virginia Tech. He is also a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in working with individuals, couples, and families who have experienced loss and trauma. Curious Conversations is a series of free-flowing conversations with Virginia Tech researchers that take place at the intersection of world-class research and everyday life. Produced and hosted by Virginia Tech Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Travis Williams, university researchers share their expertise and motivations, as well as the practical applications of their work in a format that more closely resembles chats at a cookout than classroom lectures.