The Balancing Act: Managing Work, Family & Back-to-School Chaos

🎧 Episode Summary:

The back-to-school season brings a wave of new responsibilities, expectations, and emotional demands—often leaving parents and caregivers feeling overwhelmed and pulled in 10 directions at once.

In this episode, therapist Teresa Haskins joins host Jared Jones to unpack the real-life challenges of juggling family, work, and the back-to-school transition. From letting go of perfectionism to creating rhythms of rest and connection, Teresa shares grace-filled, practical wisdom for surviving (and thriving in) this season.

👥 Featured Guest:

Teresa Haskins, LMFT – Marriage & Family Therapist at Care to Change
Hosted by: Jared Jones, Therapist & Podcast Host at Care to Change

📅 Series Context:

Part 4 of our August Back-to-School Series, following:

• Tips for school transition (with Kate Tucker)
• Supporting mental health (with Jean Crane)
• Creating lasting routines (with Mac Zambrano)

🗣️ Topics Covered:

• Why this season feels so overwhelming (especially for parents)
• Letting go of perfectionism and the “ideal” school year
• Managing expectations and finding your family’s rhythm
• Creating practical, sustainable systems for organizing life
• Building in connection through small daily rituals
• Watching for signs of burnout and emotional overload
• How your inner world impacts your outer chaos
• Delegating tasks and inviting help without guilt
• Using creativity and flexibility to simplify busy days

✅ Practical Takeaways:

1. Plan & Prioritize: Use visual tools, calendars, or weekly family check-ins to structure your time.
2. Build Micro-Connections: Look for small, intentional ways to connect—car chats, hellos/goodbyes, bedtime rituals.
3. Practice Self-Awareness: Notice where perfectionism or people-pleasing might be driving your stress.
4. Ask for Help: Don’t carry the load alone—invite your partner, kids, or others to share responsibilities.
5. Simplify What You Can: Look for smarter ways to do daily tasks or bundle them together creatively.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
• The Intentional Family by William Doherty
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero
• Gottman Card Decks (for family or couple connection questions)

💬 Favorite Quote:

“Perfectionism won’t create the perfect year. But intentional connection will create a stronger family.”

❤️ Encouragement:

If you're overwhelmed, you're not alone—and you're probably doing better than you think. You don’t need more time, just better tools. Start with one small change this week, and give yourself grace for the rest.

🎙️ Need support? Reach out to Care to Change to connect with a counselor or life coach who can help you find your rhythm in this season.