8 Back-to-School Things Moms Can Use to Stay Sane + Create Joy
Back-to-School is A LOT!
New routines, new germs, new everything . . . it never goes exactly as planned. That’s why we have to be intentional with our own joy.
Here are 8 small but powerful things that are keeping me sane and joyFULL this September.
1. Protein Muffins for Quick Mornings
Sundays are for muffins. Sometimes it’s eggs + veggies baked in a silicone muffin pan. Sometimes it’s a Kodiak protein muffin situation. They’re fast, filling, and the kids love them.
Tasty healthy treat = Smoother mornings!
2. Embrace Silence
Overstimulation = stress. Turn it off, Mommy. Silence is free and available anytime. Give yourself the gift of peace.
3. Take Social Breaks
You don’t need a big “detox” announcement. Just put the phone down and live your life when you need the break. No guilt required. If you need to take a social break to protect your peace, DO IT!
4. Cozy Up with a Fall Robe
Do you have a FALL ROBE yet? I just treated myself to one in a rust color and it’s giving ‘cozy mom uniform.’ Tie the belt, grab your coffee, and sip in peace! Sometimes the smallest comforts make the biggest difference.
5. Pack a Mom Car Snack
Pick-up line hunger is real. Kiddie snacks don’t cut it. Keep some grown-up snacks on hand. Warning: Hangry Mom On Board!
But seriously, here’s what I’ve been snacking on lately:
- Lesser Evil popcorn (snack bags help with portion control)
- Barebells protein bar (Salty Peanut has my heart)
- A water bottle that makes you wanna drink up! Romanticize it!
6. Turn Memories into a T-Shirt Quilt
Decluttering is emotional, especially when items hold memories. A T-shirt Quilt lets you keep the memories while clearing the space. Joy in both memory and order.
7. Use Your Planner Daily
It’s planner season—always. My fave is the Erin Condren LifePlanner Duo. It gives me space for my big chunky writing + I actually use it daily. The paper is heavy so my gel pens don’t bleed.
My system for sanity:
- Write school dates + appointments in immediately
- Color-code family schedules
- Weekly brain dump + review old brain dumps so that nothing gets lost
- Teach kids to use their own planners too (The Girl has her own planner to grow executive functioning skills! Can all schools bring back those mandatory planners? These post-pandemie kids need it!)
8. Teach Children The Value of Money with Greenlight
We’ve been leaning into Greenlight to teach the girl financial literacy. Children can get a debit card, earn, save, and even invest.
👉 Sign up and get $30 with my Greenlight referral link!
Little Joys Add Up
Back-to-School is a lot, but so are you! Muffins, planners, silence, cozy robes . . . IT ALL COUNTS! Write down the little things that bring you joy. But girl it only works if you actually do them. You’ll be surprised how much lighter the season feels.
Feeling overwhelmed now that school is in session? You don’t have to do it alone.
