Post-Nationals Reset: 5 Ways to Recharge as a Dance Mom This Summer

Let’s Be Honest: Nationals Took You Out

You packed every sequin, you remembered all the hairpins (twice), you cheered until your throat gave out… and now? You’re home, surrounded by half-unpacked bags and emotionally fried kids. Nationals were magical—but they were also exhausting.

Before you jump into back-to-school forms and new team meetings, you need a reset. And not the kind that involves organizing 18 bins of costumes. I’m talking about a soul-level exhale.

Here’s your permission slip: This summer isn’t just for your dancer’s recovery. It’s for yours too.

1. Put the Dance Bags in Time Out

Seriously. Shove them in the corner and walk away. That dance duffel has had enough miles to qualify for a frequent flyer program. Let it rest. Let you rest.

Instead of banning all dance talk (which, let’s be real, is impossible), try setting some boundaries: no schedule stalking, no comparison spirals, and no unsolicited TikTok critiques. Give yourself chunks of time each day where dance isn’t the main character.

It’ll all be there when you come back. Promise.

2. Take Yourself on a Mini-Mom Retreat

Before you say “I don’t have time,” listen: a retreat doesn’t mean a luxury spa trip.

(Although if you can, do it.) A retreat could be:

• Dropping the kids at grandma’s and hiding in a bookstore for 2 hours

• Locking yourself in the bathroom with a face mask and a brownie

• Making your spouse do bedtime while you journal and ignore everyone

  
  

You deserve rest that isn’t reactive. Claim it on purpose.

3. Clear Emotional Clutter Before You Organize the Physical Kind

Dance season brings baggage—and I don’t just mean rolling racks. Maybe you’re holding onto comparison, disappointment, or resentment. Maybe Nationals didn’t go how you hoped. Maybe you felt invisible all season.

Before you organize costumes or refill your snack bag, check in with your heart.

Try this: Write a “post-Nationals dump” in your journal. No edits, no filters. Then burn it, shred it, or keep it. But let it leave your body.

4. Reconnect with Your Non-Dance Identity

Who were you before you were backstage snack queen, road trip navigator, and

dance team treasurer?

This is your moment to remember. Read books with no moral value. Try a hobby that doesn’t require rhinestones. Reconnect with a friend who doesn’t ask about comps. Get back in touch with you.

Spoiler: your dancer needs that version of you too.

5. Get Ready (Slowly) for What’s Next

You don’t have to rush. But little things now will save you tears later.

• Refresh your calendar and prep for schedule chaos

• Refill your car snacks (and yes, toss the half-melted gummies)

• Review your budget so you’re not blindsided by fall fees

  
  

Resetting doesn’t mean ignoring what’s coming—it means preparing with peace instead of panic.

Post-Nationals Reset Tips for Dance Moms

You gave everything this season—and now, it’s time to give something back to yourself. Whether you use these post-Nationals reset tips to reclaim peace,

reconnect with your identity, or just recover from the emotional hangover of competition life, know this: you're allowed to rest. Not just allowed—encouraged.

And when you're ready to get back to business? I'll be right here, with tools, pep talks, and snack combos that don’t melt in a hot car.

P.S. The Shine Squad is now live, and we're building the community over there—come join us if you need encouragement, laughter, or just people who get it..