The natural transition from summer to fall is something I always have mixed feelings about year after year. While the structure of school days for my girls and more alone time with myself is a needed change for me personally, I never quite feel ready to let go of summer and acknowledge its inevitable wind down.
This year, I will be heading into the fall season with a rising 7th and 9th grader in my home. With the approach of school for them comes lots of sports practices, games, carpooling, meetings, and more. So much of my schedule naturally shifts to accommodate their needs and priorities better.
Before I can appropriately plan my schedule and develop a new routine for myself and my family, I need to be aware of what is happening in their worlds and how we can all work together to keep the train moving forward.
Family Meetings
One way that I love to stay on the same page with my family and alleviate some of the pressures I feel as a mom to stay on top of everything is to hold family meetings. These can be a weekly touch base, or they could be a seasonal conversation over a meal. Find a way that works in your home to communicate as a family unit together and bring all of your upcoming needs to the table.
This intentional time together is perfect for my family to discuss things we need to have on our calendars. It ensures we are all taking responsibility for the things we can personally handle and gives us a chance to pass the baton where needed, especially for my daughters when their time gets consumed by school and sports.
Another benefit to these family meetings is that it gives my daughters a chance to see first-hand what goes into schedule planning and is a healthy introduction into responsibilities for them as they learn how to balance their own time and energy.
Awareness Is Key
I find that the biggest key to success for my family’s schedule is simply awareness. You cannot plan or prepare for things that you do not know are coming. At our family meetings on Sunday evenings, we make one another aware of what items are coming up that week. From meetings and sporting events to holidays and family time, we try to discuss it all so that nothing comes as a surprise.
While discussing it all sounds great, that doesn’t always mean doing it all. Awareness not only allows us to keep things in front of us, but it gives my family a chance to prioritize and hand off as needed. It’s okay to not do it all - in fact, that’s what planning and awareness is all about. The roles and responsibilities we establish within my family help us see what falls outside of our desires or capabilities.
Back-To-School
With the natural shift to fall, back to school is top of mind for those of us with students. It can be really easy to feel overwhelmed with back-to-school, from spending too much money to attempting to do it all. Take a deep breath and prioritize what you can.
For my family, we always wait a few weeks to do any back to school shopping. With the changing seasons and cool weather just around the corner, my girls know that their summer clothing will be on repeat until the weather starts to shift. Then we assess what they actually need and what can be recycled from last year. Things like backpacks and lunchboxes don’t need to be bought new every year. See what items you can squeeze more life out of and include your children in that process.
Schedule And Routines
Hand-in-hand with family meetings and prioritizing upcoming events comes a schedule and routine. I love using systems to support how and where I spend my time. It can be easy to feel on the go in the fall constantly. From dropping the kids off at school to grocery shopping and evening meetings, finding a system that works for your needs and family is essential.
Reflect From Last Year And Plan For The Future
Reflecting on what went well last year and what you want to improve heading into this new season is a great way to have honest dialogue with yourself and establish a game plan for what you hope to accomplish. Be clear on your priorities and understand what works best for you. The key really is embracing that system and solution that fits your needs - not your friends or your neighbors.
When you can get everyone involved, openly communicate about everyone’s wants and needs, and develop a system that supports your family, the season becomes much easier to tackle. As always, I encourage you to intentionally create the space necessary for the experiences you want to have this fall.
Holly Mann
Holly Mann
Personal Success Coach
Founder of Fresh Habits: freshhabits.net
I am on a mission to facilitate meaningful conversations that encourage individuals to upgrade and expand their habits and routines which will ultimately allow them to live life at their fullest potential!
