Every year, the ‘eat ice cream for dinner’ rhythm of summer turns back into the routine of a school calendar. 

Suddenly, parents everywhere are expected to change from laid-back summer vibes to productive home CEOs. They buy the planners, color-coordinate the folders, and promise that this year will be different.

But as the year goes on…things tend to fall apart. To survive the transition without losing your mind, you need to change the way you run your home. Here are three ways to make back to school go a little easier.

1. Make it easy to leave

A lot of frustration comes from leaving the house in the morning where no one knows where anything is located. Where are my shoes? Is my uniform clean? Where’s my water bottle?

Instead of a standard mudroom drop-zone that builds up random clutter, start your day off right by building a launchpad. Before everyone goes to bed, make sure everything is in this area the night before. 

The strategy: Use a physical boundary, like a specific rug or two distinct baskets, that is completely empty during the day. At night, fill it with everything that is going to be needed the next morning. If it’s helpful, you can even post a checklist to make sure you’re remembering everything.

2. Don’t take your worries to bed

Kids worry about tests, friends, and homework, while parents are thinking about schedules, work deadlines, and everything their kids are worried about. When this mental clutter isn't cleared, it leads to poor sleep and even more difficult mornings. Try a new way! Let it all go before you go to your bedrooms. 

The strategy: 

For the kids: Ask them if there is anything they are worried about forgetting tomorrow or anything they need from you. Write it down on paper or in your phone. Once it's done, tell them their brain is officially allowed to stop holding onto it for the night.

For the parents: Review the calendar for the next day before you go to your bedroom. Then that’s it! No checking schedules from bed so you can keep your bedroom a stress-free zone.

3. Depend on the professionals

When the school year starts, your daily to-do list instantly increases. You’re suddenly managing homework, driving to practices, and handling the emotional ups and downs of a new school environment.

If you try to add all of that on top of your existing cleaning, dusting, and vacuuming, something is going to give. Usually, it’s your patience.

The strategy: Recognize that your time and energy have limits. By bringing in Merry Maids to clean your house, you can make your nights and weekends a lot more fun. Take your extra time to actually sit and connect with your children. 

The transition back to school doesn't have to feel hectic and stressful. By protecting your physical space, your mental space, and your time, you can kick off a school year that feels better than any before.