Let’s talk about back-to-school season. It’s a fact that when the school year starts, family life goes from “manageable chaos summer mode” into “full-blown circus” overnight. (I’ve fact-checked this, and it’s true!) Between the endless school supply lists, volunteer sign-ups flooding my inbox, and the sheer volume of “important” emails from teachers, administrators, and PTA coordinators, I am drowning before the first day even arrives. Or should I say “used to drown” because now, as a mom to two tweens, I’ve learned some important lessons over the years.
So, allow me to share with you my wisdom before the September stress sets in. This year, I’m going to show you how to do things differently by simplifying, outsourcing, and—most importantly—saying no to the pressure to do it all perfectly.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the back-to-school madness, here’s how to make this season actually manageable.
I hired someone (yes, I did!) to manage school emails
Schools send a LOT of emails. Like, an overwhelming amount. Between weekly newsletters, permission slips, volunteer requests, fundraiser announcements, and last-minute schedule changes, my inbox was basically a second full-time job.
So two years ago, I hired someone to handle it. I found a local college student who works a few hours a week reading through all the school emails and adding the important stuff to our shared family Google calendar. (We set up a family admin email and added it to the school mailing lists.) She highlights anything that needs my immediate attention and color-codes specific activities (green for my daughter’s school tasks like spirit week or book fair and yellow for my son’s school reminders like yearbook club and the science fair). Extracurricular activities are also color-coded (red for cheer, blue for tennis; you get the gist).
The cost? About $40 per week. But the mental load it’s taken off my plate? Priceless. No more scrambling to remember which kid has early dismissal, no more missing sign-up deadlines, and no more Sunday night panic wondering what I forgot.
“The cost? About $40 per week. But the mental load it’s taken off my plate? Priceless.”
And speaking of Sunday night panic—at dinner, we go through the family calendar and talk through the week so the entire family knows what to look forward to. Plus, it helps my husband and I stay on the same page—who’s doing carpool? Are you free to take the cat to the vet, or should I? Remember, we have the school orchestra concert Wednesday after school, so try to get off work early—stuff like that.
If you’re extra fancy, you can incorporate a digital command center in your main living area, like this option from Hearth or the buzzy Skylight calendar. I know a few moms who utilize it and have nothing but wonderful things to say about it.
Sunday lunch prep is non-negotiable
I used to wake up every morning and face the “what’s for lunch?” question with pure dread. Multiply that by two kids, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for morning meltdowns (mine, not theirs).
Now, on Sunday afternoons, I block two hours of lunch prep (and dinner prep) that helps the week run smoothly. I batch-cook proteins like shredded chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and meatballs. I wash and cut all the fruits and vegetables, portion them into containers, and prep grab-and-go snacks.
This doesn’t mean I’m meal-prepping five identical lunches. Instead, I’m creating a lunch “bar” in our fridge where I can build different combinations throughout the week. The key is keeping it simple. We’re not talking Pinterest-worthy bento boxes here, but nutritious meals that don’t require a degree in food styling. Because, at the end of the day, my kid is trading his lovingly made lunches for a bag of Flamin’ Hots!
The art of saying no (without guilt)
Once kindergarten starts, the requests for volunteers are absolutely relentless. Room parent, fundraising committee, field trip chaperone, book fair coordinator—the list goes on and on. And somehow, they all seem urgent and important.
But saying yes to everything means saying no to my own sanity. So now I’m very strategic about where I spend my volunteer energy. I’m choosing one or two things that genuinely align with my schedule and interests, and I politely decline the rest.
Outsourcing is not giving up, it’s being smart
There is absolutely no shame in asking for help with household tasks. In fact, it’s smart! If you can afford to outsource the things that drain your energy, why not?
I use a cleaning service twice a month. I also use a laundry pickup service for our bulky items like comforters and winter coats. I’ve even started grocery pickup for our weekly shopping trips. I take advantage of carpools for extracurricular activities and have a service that does weekly lawn care (and snow shoveling during the winter, as needed). Other things that I want but I don’t have the budget for just yet: a professional organizer (my ultimate dream!).
Does this cost money? Yes. But it also buys me time and energy to focus on the things that actually matter, like being present for homework help, attending kids’ events, and just being in a good mood for more than an hour.
Back-to-school stress can be managed
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to be stressful; well… it doesn’t have to be as stressful! It’s OK to simplify, outsource, and say no. It’s OK to spend money on conveniences that buy you time and peace of mind. And it’s definitely OK to prioritize your family’s well-being over the pressure to do everything perfectly. (Does your kid really need to be in an extracurricular activity each and every day? Does your home need to be perfectly curated seven days a week? Do their socks really have to match?)
Trust me, your kids won’t remember whether you volunteered for every committee or made Instagram-worthy lunches. But they will remember having parents who were present, calm(-ish), and actually enjoyed being with them during this busy season.
Sometimes, the best thing we can do for our families is to do less, not more.
Gabriela Garcia, Contributing Writer
Gabriela is a former Senior Commerce Editor at Well+Good, where she oversaw content strategy across all platforms. Previously, she was the Senior Beauty Editor at Editorialist, leading the vertical through expansive growth. Her work can be seen in Bustle, Fashionista, Glamour, InStyle, Remezcla, The Pioneer Woman, and more. Gabriela has a Substack called Modern Brown Girl where she writes about product discovery, beauty and lifestyle trends, and conducts interviews with industry leaders.
