01/09/2026
Most of us think the New Year begins on 1 January.
But for families, I think it often begins in September.
New shoes.
New uniforms.
New classrooms.
New teachers.
For some, it's their very first day in Reception.
For others, it's the slightly terrifying move to big school.
Some will be starting their final year and wondering what comes next.
Others will be leaving home for university, work or whatever adventure happens to be waiting for them.
And somewhere alongside all of those new beginnings are the parents.
Taking the photographs.
Checking they've got everything.
Telling them they'll be fine.
Trying not to make too much of it.
Because September marks time in a way January never quite does.
You don't just notice that another year has passed.
You can see it standing in front of you, wearing a slightly-too-big school jumper.
Perhaps New Year doesn't always begin with fireworks and resolutions.
Sometimes it begins with a new pair of shoes, a photograph by the front door and someone you love taking another small step away from needing you quite as much.
Me In Time | Counselling & Psychotherapy
Manchester & online across the UK
www.meintime.co.uk
