Now, this might seem like a strange topic for me to write about, as, full disclosure, I’m child-free. Seeing friends and colleagues making this juggle, I am in awe, so I asked them what their tips are for surviving the back-to-school season.

New schedules, endless forms, supply lists, extracurricular sign-ups, on top of work and family life, can leave even the most organised parents feeling stretched thin. If you’re navigating the juggling act, you’re not alone. Here are a few ways to keep your family (and your sanity) grounded as the school year kicks off.

1. Simplify mornings with routines.
 Create a predictable rhythm for school days: clothes laid out the night before, backpacks packed, lunches prepped. A small investment of time in the evening can save everyone from the morning scramble. Even young kids can help with small tasks, which builds independence and lightens your load.

2. Prioritise connection over perfection.
 It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to “do it all.” Instead, focus on moments of connection. A quick check-in at breakfast or a five-minute cuddle before bed matters more than a perfectly curated calendar.

3. Protect family downtime.
 Between homework, sports, and work emails, downtime can disappear. Block off at least one evening each week for a slower family night—pizza and a film, board games, or just hanging out. These pauses help recharge everyone’s batteries.

4. Make mental health a family priority.
Talk openly about stress, worries, and feelings. Normalise the idea that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. For parents, carving out even ten minutes for a walk, reading, or quiet breathing can make a difference. Kids learn resilience by watching how you handle stress, so showing them healthy coping tools can really help them.

5. Lean on community.
 Carsharing with neighbours, swap after-school pickups with friends, or ask for help when you need it. None of us were meant to do this alone, and sharing the load not only eases pressure but also strengthens community bonds.

Back-to-school season is full-on, but it doesn’t have to feel frantic. By simplifying where you can, carving out small moments of connection, and caring for your family’s mental wellbeing, you can step into the new year with more balance and less burnout. Here’s to a calmer, more joyful school year for you and your kids!

PS If you want to stimulate your brain outside of the workplace, check out the Philosopher-in-Residence blog – out fortnightly on Thursdays, courtesy of Make Me A Plan’s Principal Planner, Anna Pascoe. Browse the latest edition https://www.makemeaplan.com/news/on-make-me-a-planel/