Back to School Without the Backslide: A Conversation with founder of The Alliance Center, Carolyn Kagan, and Parenting & Mindset Coach, Lorena Seidel 

At The Alliance Center, we know that parenting is more than just getting through the day—it’s an ongoing practice of growth, patience, and connection. It’s about becoming the kind of parent you want to be while helping your child grow into the kind of human they’re meant to become.

We believe in supporting the whole parent—mind, body, and spirit—so you can show up in your family’s life with presence, resilience, and joy. Our comprehensive maternal mental health center is a place for learning, healing, and finding your people—through therapy, support groups, yoga, and workshops designed to meet you exactly where you are.

As the founder of The Alliance Center, a perinatal psychotherapist, and a parent of two school-aged kids, I hear some common themes this time of year—both in my own home and in my therapy office. Parents talk about feeling stretched thin, wanting to set their children up for success but not knowing how to keep everyone’s emotions steady during the transition. There’s often a mix of excitement and anxiety—kids adjusting to new classrooms, teachers, and routines, while parents juggle logistics, emotional needs, and their own stress levels.

And for many families, this work disproportionately falls on mothers. They’re often the ones holding the mental checklist of school supplies, lunches, permission slips, doctor’s appointments, extracurricular schedules, and emotional check-ins; not to mention the invisible labor of anticipating needs before they’re spoken. This mental and emotional load can feel overwhelming, especially sometimes when layered on top of professional responsibilities and personal goals.

That’s why I wanted to host this conversation. Because back-to-school season isn’t just a shift for kids—it’s a full-family recalibration, and mothers often carry the heaviest weight of it. As always, I want moms a space to reflect, gather fresh tools, and feel less alone in navigating it. This fall, we’re continuing to do just that—starting with this conversation with Parenting & Mindset Coach Lorena Seidel as we plan for our next workshop about what it means to step into the school year without losing your sense of balance, joy, and purpose as a parent.

Lorena Seidel with daughter

Carolyn: Lorena, can you share a bit about your background and what led you to the work you do now?

Lorena: I was a Montessori teacher with a Master’s in Education specializing in emotional intelligence, so I had all the theory, the books, and the scripts. But when I became a parent, I found myself defaulting to yelling and shaming—just like my parents did. It all came to a head during a tough moment with my daughter… and a bunny named Coconut. That’s when I realized I didn’t need more information—I needed a new mindset and a way to practice what I already knew.

Carolyn: What shifted for you after that?

Lorena: I stopped seeing myself as a “behavior manager” and started seeing myself as a mentor. That shift allowed me to use challenging moments as opportunities to build skills—for my kids and for myself. It’s now the foundation of my work: if we can move from fixing behavior to building skills, we can turn the tough moments into powerful practice for raising capable, resilient humans.

Carolyn: You often talk about creating a “harmonious home.” What does that really mean?

Lorena: Many people think a harmonious home is one without conflict—calm, quiet, and perfectly tidy. But that’s not only unrealistic, it usually means challenges are being avoided, not resolved.

To me, a harmonious home is one where conflict is a starting point for connection. It’s a place where everyone can make mistakes, have big feelings, and disagree—knowing we have the skills to repair, reconnect, and learn from it. It’s about building the muscle to navigate imperfections together.

Carolyn: Your upcoming workshop is called Back to School Without the Backslide. What inspired it?

Lorena: Back-to-school season isn’t just a transition for kids—it’s a whole-family shift. There are new routines, social dynamics, and expectations, which can bring excitement and anxiety. Parents are managing logistics and emotions at the same time, and it’s easy to slip into survival mode. I wanted to create a space to help families stay grounded, connected, and resilient during this season.

Carolyn: What can parents expect if they join?

Lorena: Without giving it all away, we’ll talk about what a harmonious home really looks like, how to understand and respond to your child’s emotional and behavioral patterns, and how your mindset as a parent can make all the difference. We’ll also share practical ways to feel more connected and confident—even if you’re already feeling “behind” just a few weeks into the school year.

Free Virtual Workshop: Back to School Without the Backslide

📅 Tuesday, September 30
🕢 7:30–9:00 PM ET | Live on Zoom

Register here

Back-to-school season is so much more than new backpacks and fresh schedules—it’s a full-family adjustment. Once the back-to-school nights are behind you and the dust starts to settle, join us for an evening of reflection, insight, and practical strategies to help your home feel more grounded and connected.

✨ Walk away with tools you can use immediately and a fresh perspective on how to approach this season with more calm, connection, and confidence.

And if you’re curious about whether parent coaching could be the right next step for you, Lorena is offering a free 30-minute consultation to explore your goals, challenges, and whether her approach feels like the right fit for your family. No pressure—just a supportive conversation to help you decide.

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