Back to School: Tips for Keeping It All Together

Can you believe it’s mid-September already?

Life can be a whirlwind, especially for working mothers during back-to-school season. Juggling work, family, and everything in between may feel like chaos, but you’ve got this — even if it might not feel that way at times. Here are some tips to help you handle the madness and keep it all together.

First things first, don’t forget about you. Yes, it’s easy to get caught up in making sure everyone else is sorted, but remember that self-care is not selfish. In fact, if you’re not taken care of, you’ll find it hard to be truly present in the way you want to be. Carve out “me time” in your schedule — and stick with it. Whether it’s a bubble bath, a good book, or a quick walk in the park, find what recharges your batteries and treat it like any other commitment or appointment on your calendar.

Next, let’s talk about organization. Your life may seem like a tornado, but color-coding can be a game-changer in keeping track of everything going on. Create a master calendar that includes everyone’s activities, work deadlines, and school schedules (and don’t forget to mark in time for yourself too!). Use different colors to make tracking commitments easy.

And be sure to delegate when you can. You’re a superhero, but you don’t have to do everything for everyone by yourself — nor do you have to prove yourself to anyone. Enlist the help of your partner or kids, or even consider hiring extra assistance if it’s within your means.

Don’t be afraid to say “no,” either. If you stretch yourself too thin, you won’t be able to give your best to the people and organizations most important to you. Prioritize your commitments and learn to decline those that don’t align with your core values or sanity.

Lastly, be gentle with yourself. It might sound cliché, but life really is a journey, not a destination. There will be days when things don’t go as planned, and that’s perfectly okay. Take a deep breath, remind yourself of your strengths, and keep moving forward.

You’ve got this!