6 Tips for Working Parents This Back-to-School Season
Being a working parent is one of the hardest (and simultaneously most rewarding) things I’ve ever done.
Learning how to integrate these two roles and feel proud of how I’m showing up in each is an ongoing journey. The more I grow and adjust along the way, the more committed I feel to helping others do the same. Which brings me to the topic of this week’s blog post…
School starts for us next week, and I can’t believe how fast summer flew by! I’ve really enjoyed the slower, more flexible pace of summer with my girls, but I’m also looking forward to the structure that comes with this new season.
The first week back to school can feel intense—new alarm clock rhythms, packing lunches, juggling school drop-off and pickup times that rarely align with our meeting schedules, and navigating big emotions in our kids (and probably ourselves, too).
Over the years, I’ve made some intentional shifts that have helped smooth the transition. But in the early years, it felt really rocky. I often struggled to be present for the moments that mattered most with my kids while still trying to conquer everything on my plate at work.
If you’ve ever felt that same tension, you’re not alone. Here are six tips that have helped me and my family ease into the school year with a little more calm. Hopefully they’ll help you, too!
1. Start the Routine Early
Don’t wait until the night before school starts to introduce new routines. Instead, ease into school-year schedules a week or two in advance with earlier bedtimes and consistent wake-ups. It gives everyone’s body clocks time to adjust gradually without shocking the system.
2. Block Your Calendar Now
Most workplaces are more supportive than we expect, especially when we’re proactive. Let your manager know when school starts and ask about blocking time on your calendar for drop-offs and pick-ups during the first few days. Build in a 15-minute cushion around those times to avoid rushing and to give space for any unexpected hiccups. The last thing an anxious kiddo needs is a stressed, hurried parent at drop-off.
3. Prep the Night Before
I shared a Two-Minute Tip on this last spring. In short, the more we prep before bed, the smoother the morning goes. Lay out clothes, pack lunches, sign forms, and load backpacks the night before. A little evening effort saves a lot of morning stress.
4. Make Meals a Non-Issue
Every Sunday, I plan dinners for the week, grocery shop accordingly, and wash and cut produce. I’ll also often prep a batch of muffins or protein pancakes, egg bites, and homemade granola balls to stock the fridge. This weekly rhythm keeps our meals and snacks healthy and easy, which is especially important during the first week back! Bonus tip: double your favorite recipes for leftovers or to freeze half for later.
5. Create a Family Calendar
We use a simple shared Apple calendar to manage everything in one place—sports practices, school events, doctor appointments, work trips, carpools, and more. Whether you prefer a digital system or a paper calendar on the wall, choose something everyone can see and use.
6. Be Present
Last but most important: reduce distractions so you can be present. New teachers, routines, and environments can stir up anxiety in our kids. The last thing they need is for us to be taking calls or checking email during the commute to and from school. Even if you don’t get as much time with them as you’d like, make the time you do have count. A focused, present two minutes is better than a distracted 10.
Other ideas?
Please share your own tips and tricks in the comments below! I’d love to learn from your best practices.