Magnificent News: On Parenting: We're.so.exhausted.

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The challenges, delights and shared experiences of parenting.

By Amy Joyce

I forgot how exhausting the first week of school is, I said to a friend this week. It's been a while since we had this amount of normal interspersed with very much abnormal: Mask rules (let's hope). Social distancing as much as possible in a school environment. Cohorts. Wacky schedules. And just getting used to a routine after 18 months that were very much not a routine. So this week, Meghan Leahy's column hit home, big time. A reader asked: Any advice to soothe that reentry a little? I'm already wary of the battles regarding homework, getting dressed and forcing them out of the house on time. It's going to be a real change around here.

Meghan, as always, tapped into her experience as a mother of three, a parenting coach and former school counselor to come up with suggestions that helped me breathe a little, and accept that this is all going to continue to be strange. "We have to dance the fine line of providing enough structure to help our kids feel supported and safe, while also keeping our expectations in check," she writes. The theme for this mom this year? Support, love. Repeat.

Have a parenting question yourself? Come on in and ask Meghan anything. She'll answer your questions in a live chat on the 15th.

I hope you all have a healthy, happy and relaxing weekend. We'll talk to you next week.

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Parenting in a Pandemic

These are challenging times for any parent to navigate. Let On Parenting help. Below you'll find a selection of expert advice and personal stories for all types of parents. To keep up with The Post's best advice for living through a lockdown, including recipes to make, shows to watch, the best socializing apps, resources for parents, guidance for managing anxiety and tips for canceled trips, bookmark Your Life at Home. And the latest on school reopenings can be found on The Post's Education page.