As Aussie families are returning to school, new research from HP Australia reveals that Term 1 has become one of the most stressful times of the year, with parents calling for simpler, calmer and more practical routines.

The national study of more than 1,000 Australian parents of school-aged children revealed that 59 % find the back-to-school period stressful, while almost half( 47 %) say this year feels more stressful than previous years.

Parents say the pressure often shows up in the first week of Term 1, with families reporting arguments, tears, forgotten items, and last-minute panic as households adjust back to school routines.

Leading Australian child psychologist Deirdre Brandner says the findings reflect what many families experience at the start of year.

“ In the weeks leading into the school year, I see a predictable rise in stress, not just in children, but in parents as well. Back-to-school anxiety rarely presents as panic,” says Deirdre.“ Instead, it shows up quietly: disrupted sleep, short tempers, reluctance at drop-off, headaches or stomach aches, emotional shutdown in teens, or children who“ hold it together”

all day and unravel at home.” Screen fatigue fuelling Term 1 stress for families

The research highlights the impact of the long summer break, with nearly two-thirds( 65 %) of parents saying holiday screen time makes the transition back to school harder. At the same time, an overwhelming 83 % of parents want to reduce their child’ s screen time as the school year begins.

What parents say would actually make Term 1 easier

Despite the struggles, parents are united on what would help them feel more prepared for the school year ahead. The research found:

• 87 % want the upcoming school year to feel simpler, calmer or more organised

• 84 % say ready-made, printable tools like planners and checklists would help them feel more prepared

• 83 % believe clearer routines or visual checklists would reduce arguments and stress

Deirdre Brandner recommends five simple, screen-light tips families can implement to help children settle into their Term 1 routines:

1. Prioritise sleep routines: Begin resetting sleep routines at least a week before school, shifting bedtime and wake-up times gradually. Sleep deprivation amplifies emotional reactivity. 2. Set the tone with calm mornings: Preparing bags, uniforms, and lunches the night before helps reduce morning stress and supports a more settled start to the day.

3. Allow time to decompress after school: Children often need space to unwind. Gentle check-ins are usually more effective than rapidfire questions.

4. Use pressure-reducing language: Avoid statements like“ This is a big year.” Instead, focus on effort and process:“ Your job is just to try.”

5. Support organisation collaboratively: Help children set up simple systems, such as printed planners, colour-coded timetables, reminders and consistent bag routines, without taking over. Over-management can increase stress and resistance.

Simple, screen-light routines helping families reset for Term 1

As families look for ways to reduce stress and bring calm to busy mornings, the research suggests simple, screen-light routines can also make a meaningful difference.

HP already offers a variety of free printable resources for families through the HP Printables site https:// printables. hp. com / us / en / collections / back-toschool, featuring planners, checklists and affirmation cards, designed to support everyday organisation without adding extra screen time.

“ As a former school principal, I know how challenging the back-to-school period can be for families,” said Brett Salakas, HP’ s Education Ambassador.“ When children feel confident and ready to learn, everything changes. With the right tools, simple routines and organisation can turn rushed mornings into calm moments of connection, helping kids head to school on the right foot.”

Parents say these kinds of tools resonate. Nearly four in five( 79 %) say that printed reminders like planners and checklists help mornings run more smoothly, while 76 % prefer printed, visible planners over adding more digital apps for their children.