Let the Plate Spinning Begin! Staying Ahead of the Controlled Chaos.
Fellow educators and parents – this one’s for you.
Over this past weekend, following many conversations I was having with teachers and parents, I found myself searching for the perfect word to capture the energy that fills the air around this time of year—and no, I don’t mean the holiday season. I’m talking about the Welcome Back to School season.
Whether you’re a parent, an educator, or wearing both hats, this time of year often feels like a chaotic balancing act. There’s definitely excitement in the air, but it’s mixed with overwhelm, and a quiet pressure that never fully lets up.
While I couldn’t quite land on a single word to describe it all, a vivid image did come to mind. Think “plate spinner”. That person on stage, darting back and forth, trying to keep a dozen spinning plates from crashing to the ground. That, to me, perfectly captures what so many of you are doing right now. Showing up, pushing through, and holding it all together for one of the most important roles in the world … caring for kids.
With that noble calling comes immense responsibility and with that responsibility comes stress. Please know this - you're not alone in feeling it.
There Is Joy Among the Crazy
Even when your calendar starts to resemble a game of Tetris, where every block becomes a commitment you're trying to squeeze into place, there’s still something undeniably special about this season.
For parents, it’s the joy of watching your children step into new grades, form new friendships, and take on new possibilities. For educators, it’s the excitement of welcoming students into a new classroom, starting with a clean slate, and building connections that last a lifetime.
The energy in the air is filled with possibility and hope, and yes, the joy is real.
But let’s not pretend the other side doesn’t exist.
Too Many Plates, Not Enough Hands
I often talk about the value of awareness and that means we also have to be honest and shine a light on the less-than-shiny side of this season. The part that’s full of pressure and invisible demands.
Here are just a few familiar scenes:
Racing to pack lunches while juggling early-morning work emails … assuming you made it to the grocery store the day before, so you actually have food in the refrigerator.
Helping with homework at night after managing a full day at the office.
Tackling endless piles of laundry and dirty dishes.
Forgetting appointments, misplacing forms, and wondering how on earth you’re supposed to be in three places at once.
The endless birthday parties, baseball games, and dance recitals.
Oh yeah, and don’t forget the unexpected stuff — a sick child, car troubles, a call from the school … all of these requiring you to explain to your boss why you need to take another day off.
That plate-spinner metaphor? It suddenly feels very real. You’re moving nonstop, doing your best to keep everything from crashing down. Your family. Your job. Your relationships. Your sanity. Unfortunately, that plate labeled “your own needs” is more than likely the one wobbling the most, moving dangerously near the edge.
If this is true for you, please hear me when I tell you …
THIS DOESN’T MEAN YOU’RE FAILING — IT MEANS YOU’RE HUMAN!
5 Ways to Keep the Plates Spinning AND Protect Your Peace
1. Every Plate Doesn’t Deserve the Same Energy - Some things matter more than others. Choose what’s urgent and meaningful — the rest can wobble a little.
2. Build in Breathing Room - Give yourself 5–10 minutes of transition time between roles. Step outside. Sit in your car. Listen to nothing. Your nervous system needs breaks, too.
3. Say No, Guilt-Free - You are allowed to say no. To volunteer requests. To extra duties. To "just one more thing." Every “no” makes space for a more peaceful “yes.”
4. Let One Thing Be a Mess On Purpose - Pick something: laundry, emails, the backseat of your car. Let it go for now. A messy plate is still a spinning plate.
5. Do One Thing That’s Just for You - Find something small and enjoyable. A funny podcast. An iced coffee. Sitting still. It doesn’t have to be big to matter.
One Last Thing You Probably Need to Hear
You don’t have to do it all.
You don’t have to be perfect at everything.
Give yourself permission to recognize you’re still an incredible parent, teacher, caregiver, partner, and friend even if a few plates hit the floor.
Yes, the world asks a lot of us, and this season may stretch you to your limits, leaving you feeling like you’re about to snap. But here’s what you need to know, and more importantly, believe:
· You’re allowed to protect your energy.
· You’re allowed to guard your peace.
· You’re allowed to hold on to your joy.
Never forget ~ you are built with strength, compassion, and far more capacity than you probably give yourself credit for.
Moving forward, I want you to ask yourself:
What’s one plate you’re willing to let wobble this week — on purpose?
❤️
