Summer has a rhythm all its own. Slower mornings. Looser routines. A little (or a lot) more Disney+. The occasional popsicle before noon. And of course, bedtime routines that don’t start until the fireflies come out.
But then August hits, and everything changes. Suddenly you’re waking up before sunrise, juggling drop-offs or bus schedules, meeting new teachers, managing homework meltdowns, and trying to remember who needs a snack packed and who needs a field trip form signed.
For working parents, the back-to-school season isn’t just a shift in schedules, it’s a full-blown routine reset. One that demands emotional stamina, logistical gymnastics, and the impossible balance of being fully present in back-to-back meetings and at the dinner table.
That’s why we’re bringing you real-world advice from people who get it. Not just professionally, but also personally. Brandy Scherer and Michelle Delimpo are working moms and Workplace Health & Wellbeing Coaches here at Personify Health. And they’ve helped hundreds of employees (and their own families) navigate the chaos that comes with the back-to-school season.
Together, they’ve put together six practical, sanity-saving tips to help you find your footing — and maybe even a little calm — as your family settles into a new routine.
1. Adjust bedtimes and wake times several days in advance
This can be challenging, especially if there are still some fun summer activities planned but gradually start shifting back to school sleep schedules.
2. Establish clear communications with your family
Communicate with your family as school time nears to talk through how your routines will look so everyone is aware, on the same page, family members can discuss feelings/emotions, and then iron out any concerns. Often just simple communication about approaching schedule changes helps everyone know what to expect.
Pro tip! Having a shared calendar can be helpful to know who needs to be where, when, and at what time. Be sure to add on school holidays, early dismissals, field trips, and other events.
3. Use your Sunday to plan out your week for a productive week ahead
Use Sunday to lay the groundwork for a smoother week ahead. That could mean assigning household tasks, sketching out a weekday menu together, or blocking off your work calendar around school pick-ups and family time. A little upfront planning helps everyone feel more grounded — and less scrambled — once Monday hits.
4. Acknowledge any BIG FEELINGS your child (or you) might be experiencing
Whether it’s the 1st day of kindergarten or 1st day of 12th grade, the start of the new school year can be overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to sit down and talk about what everyone is feeling, sometimes we all just need a little reassurance that everything is going to be okay.
5. Incorporate mindfulness and positive affirmations
Teaching your children to manage the stress and adversity they might experience is extremely powerful. Try starting each morning by saying “I am confident and brave,” “I am ready to learn and grow today,” or “I can do hard things” and end your day with a deep-breathe to reset as you transition from school to home.
Pro tip! Affirmations can help you stay positive and focused, too! Here are a few to get you started: “I am loving and compassionate,” “I am equipped to help my child,” and “I am doing great, even if I don’t feel like it”
6. Set boundaries
As a parent, it can be hard not to say “Yes!” to everything – joining the PTA, volunteering for field trips, coaching the team, etc. We encourage you to establish boundaries and know that it is okay to say “No”, save the “Yes!” for those things that really are important to you.
Make the back-to-school transition work for you
Back-to-school season will always come with a little chaos; that’s just part of the deal. But with a bit of planning, a few mindset shifts, and support from people who’ve been there, it doesn’t have to feel so overwhelming.
You’ve got more tools than you think, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
If you’re looking for more support across different areas of your health, from caregiving to coaching to whole-family wellness, check out these resources from Personify Health experts:
- Nurturing wellness through the ages: Exploring different eras of women’s health
- The importance of health coaching for holistic GLP-1 and weight management support
- Navigating caregiver stress: Empowering strategies for a healthier you
Meet the authors
Brandy Scherer, NBC-HWC, CPT is a Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, with over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness field. Mom of 7- and 4-year-old boys. Brandy’s expertise is in helping others build healthy habits, create and implement strategies for dealing with stress, and managing change resilience. Lead Health and Wellbeing Program Manager at Personify Health supporting The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia wellbeing program.
Michelle Delimpo is a Health & Wellbeing Specialist at Personify Health, supporting Ohio Benefits Cooperative, LANL & Altec programs. Michelle has over 22 years of experience in the field of Health, Wellness, Fitness, Coaching and Mentoring.