It’s that time of year again – pencils are sharpened, lunchboxes dusted off, and parents everywhere are bracing for the start of Term 1. For many Australian families, the first weeks of school aren’t just about fresh notebooks and new teachers – they’re about navigating one of the most stressful periods of the year. According to a recent HP Australia study of over 1,000 parents, 59% admit the back-to-school period sparks stress, and nearly half (47%) say this year already feels more overwhelming than previous years.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The research paints a picture of chaotic mornings, forgotten items, last-minute panics, arguments, and the occasional tear – scenes that replay across households each January. Leading child psychologist Deirdre Brandner says the stress isn’t always dramatic; it’s subtle, creeping into family life in ways you might not immediately notice.
“Back-to-school anxiety rarely presents as panic,” Deirdre explains. “Instead, it can appear as disrupted sleep, short tempers, reluctance at drop-off, headaches or stomach aches, or even emotional shutdown in teens. Often, children “hold it together” at school, only to unravel when they get home.”
Screen time and the summer slump
It’s no surprise that summer holidays can make the return to school even trickier. The HP study found that 65% of parents say holiday screen time makes adjusting back to school harder, while an overwhelming 83% want to reduce their children’s screen time as the new school year begins. After weeks of late nights, endless device scrolling, and relaxed routines, the transition can feel like a jolt – for kids and parents alike.
Parents are clear about what would ease the pressure. A remarkable 87% said they want the school year to feel simpler, calmer, and more organised, while 84% believe ready-made, printable tools like planners and checklists would help them feel more prepared. Similarly, 83% think that clearer routines or visual checklists could reduce arguments and stress.
Five screen-light ways to smooth the start of Term 1
The good news is that small, deliberate changes can make a big difference. Deirdre Brandner recommends five simple strategies that don’t rely on screens:
- Prioritise sleep routines – Begin adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times at least a week before school starts. Even small shifts can help children feel less grumpy and more resilient.
- Set the tone with calm mornings – Pack lunches, prepare uniforms, and organise schoolbags the night before to reduce the morning scramble.
- Allow time to decompress after school – Kids often need space to unwind. Gentle check-ins work better than a barrage of questions.
- Use pressure-reducing language – Swap statements like “This is a big year” for simple encouragement, such as “Your job is just to try.”
- Support organisation collaboratively – Create simple systems together: printed planners, colour-coded timetables, and consistent bag routines help without micromanaging. Over-management can actually increase resistance.
The power of print
As families seek calmer, more structured mornings, the research suggests that tangible, screen-light routines can truly help. Nearly 79% of parents say printed reminders like planners and checklists help mornings run more smoothly, while 76% prefer printed planners over digital apps for their children. Resources like HP’s free printables – planners, checklists, and affirmation cards – offer simple tools to reduce morning stress and give children confidence heading into school.
Brett Salakas, HP’s Education Ambassador and former school principal, sums it up: “When children feel confident and ready to learn, everything changes. Simple routines, the right tools, and a little preparation can turn rushed mornings into calm moments of connection.”
Ultimately, back-to-school stress isn’t inevitable. With screen-light routines, clear organisation, and small, mindful adjustments, Aussie families can reclaim the mornings – and start the school year with a little more calm, a little less chaos, and a lot more confidence.
