Navigating Perimenopause: Tips for a Smooth Transition into the New School Year

It’s that time of year again, but things are different for me. It’s the back to school season, but I don’t have to think about it in the traditional sense. No more early alarm clocks, crazy school supply shopping, and school drop offs. I guess this means I can focus on myself a little more with my new journey I am on. This time last year I had so many emotions because I really didn’t know how I was going to make it to this point.

Dealing with perimenopause and still getting children through school is no joke. When I was younger, I used to think parents were tapping out because they were tired. It appeared that by the time they reached their youngest child, they didn’t have what they needed to give them like they did the older children. Now, I’m convinced a part of the problem was perimenopause. My constant prayer has been “ Lord, please don’t let me tap out.“  It was a push, and I even came to a point where I needed a break, but by the grace of God, I made it. If you’re dealing with perimenopause and trying to get those kiddos through school, here are a few ideas that may help you.

Take your sleep seriously and focus on it:  Perimenopause insomnia is one of my biggest challenges right now. During the school year, I had to focus on this diligently. I started taking magnesium glycinate, which helps relax me. Some nights I would do a stretching routine while listening to ambient sleep sounds, and sometimes I took a low-dose of melatonin. Now, nothing helps me stay asleep the whole night just yet, but it helps me start the night off right. Talk with your doctor and see what suggestions they give. So as much as you may not want to hear this, both you and your child may have to have the same bedtime.

Consider communicating with your child: This one can be tricky considering how old your child is. I also have daughters, so it’s been easy for me to express how I feel to them about the stage of life I’m currently in. Even though my daughter was a senior, I still made it a point to be awake when she had to get up and when she had to leave. At first, I had to drive her but when she was able to do it herself, some mornings I would go back to bed after a rough night once I knew she was safely at school. I explained to my daughter what was going on in my body, and I tried my best to make sure she knew I might have some rough days, but I was still here to support her and see her through until the end. It was not easy, but the communication helped.

Delegate when necessary: This is a hard one for me. I do not want anyone to feel like they’re doing my job. This did not happen overnight, it’s always been part of me. However, perimenopause has me realizing I cannot, nor should I have to do it all. I have had to tell my family they need to cook and figure out their meals. I have had to say no to committing my time to everything. I had to focus on getting my last daughter driving so I could ease up, and sometimes I had to have her sisters help out. If you need help, please ask my friend. Stress is never good, but it’s absolutely not cute or good for us in perimenopause.

With a little confidence, a plan, and the help you need, you can make it through the school year. Focus on being kind to your body so you can still enjoy these precious moments with your babies.