Getting Ready for Back to School (Even If You Haven’t Started Yet)

If you’ve ever blinked and realized that it’s mid-August and you’ve done absolutely nothing to prepare for back-to-school season, this post is for you.

Truthfully? That’s exactly where I am right now!

Backpacks? Haven’t looked.

Clothes? Not even a list.

School tour for my middle schooler? Still unscheduled.

But here’s what I’ve learned: sometimes the most powerful way to prepare for a seasonal shift isn’t about what you’ve bought, it’s about what you’ve noticed, about yourself, your family, and what you want this next chapter to feel like.

This Year Feels Different

I’ll admit, I’m a little nervous about the transition this year. Both of my boys are starting at new schools. That means totally new routines, different timing, and a full reset on the morning structure that’s actually worked really well for the past few years.

My oldest is heading into middle school, and while I’m excited for him, I’m also anxious about how he’ll navigate the changes. New environment, new responsibilities, new social dynamics, it’s a big leap. And I can feel that weight even more as a mom who also works full-time and craves a little predictability.

What Routines Are Getting Reworked

Right now, I’m thinking through two big shifts:

• Technology Boundaries for My Middle Schooler
  
  My oldest loves his iPad and Nintendo Switch. And we’ve typically given him evening screen time as a privilege, but as he heads into middle school, I want to start tightening that boundary. He’s going to have more homework and a busier schedule, and I want to help him prioritize focus, rest, and downtime that isn’t always screen-based.
  
  
• My Morning Routine (a Non-Negotiable)
  
  If I don’t have a solid morning routine, the whole day wobbles. I haven’t figured out what this fall’s routine will look like just yet, but I know it needs to support the new school start times, a calmer pace, and my own energy.
  
  

What I’m Not Doing Yet (And Why That’s Okay)

Like I said earlier: I haven’t bought school supplies. I haven’t finalized childcare plans. I haven’t created the color-coded calendar yet…..

And while there’s still a month to go (we start around Labor Day), I’m reminding myself that starting late doesn’t mean starting wrong.

So if you’re also feeling behind? You’re not alone. Sometimes, presence comes before planning.

Preparing for the Shift at Work

Here’s what I’ve done at work to prep for this transition: nothing.

(Deep breath.)

But now’s the time I’ll start reviewing my September calendar. I’ll look ahead at any big deadlines and talk to my team about flexible hours if needed those first few weeks. Because once the school year starts, mornings and afternoons get a little tighter, and I want to show up at work with clarity, not chaos.

Checking in With My Partner

As always, I’m planning to sit down with Andy and talk through what this new season will look like, for both of us.

• He handles the after-school flow, and that’s likely to continue. I want to make sure he’s feeling good about the structure (bags unpacked, homework started, dinner prepped).
  
  
• Evenings are our shared zone, we’re talking about adding a few simple chores for the boys and adjusting our dinner routine.
  
  
• Weekends are fluid, but we’re considering swim lessons for our youngest and gearing up for another soccer season for our oldest.
  
  

It’s not about splitting every task down the middle, it’s about being in sync, especially during transitions that affect the whole family.

If You’re Not Ready Either, Here’s What I’d Suggest

• Start with a reflection, not a checklist.
  
  Ask yourself: What kind of fall do I want to have? What habits or boundaries will support that?
  
  
• Make time to talk to your partner or support system.
  
  Even a quick chat over coffee can help you feel more aligned heading into a new routine.
  
  
• Protect the things that matter most to you.
  
  If your mornings ground you, prioritize them. If your evenings with the kids matter most, build the week around them.
  
  
• Remember, you still have time.
  
  You don’t need to have it all figured out by the time school starts. But setting intentions now makes the transition smoother later.
  
  

Back-to-School Doesn’t Have to Mean Back-to-Stressed

This year, my goal isn’t a flawless September.

It’s a thoughtful one.

One where my family finds a rhythm that works, even if it takes a few weeks. One where I advocate for what I need at work, at home, and in my own schedule. One where I don’t just survive the back-to-school season, I settle into it with clarity and calm.

And if you’re reading this thinking, “I haven’t done anything yet either,” please know:

You’re not behind.

You’re just getting started, intentionally.

With love,

Erin