How to Reset Your Life When the Kids Go Back to School

CoyaH.
Aug 15
2 min read

Back to school season comes with mixed emotions. On one hand, there’s a sigh of relief as the house gets a little quieter during the day. On the other hand, it’s easy to feel like you’re being thrown straight into a whirlwind of schedules, activities, and responsibilities.

But here’s the truth: Back to school doesn’t have to mean back to chaos.

This season is actually the perfect time to hit reset—not just for your kids’ routines, but for yours too. It’s your opportunity to reclaim your time, reorganize your priorities, and set up a rhythm that works for you.

1. Take Inventory of Your Current Routine

Before you start stacking on new commitments, take a minute to evaluate your current routines.

Which habits supported your peace and productivity last season?
Which ones drained your energy or caused stress?

Be honest here. The goal is to protect what works and eliminate what doesn’t. This is your baseline for building a back to school routine that works for both you and your family.

2. Set Intentional Priorities for This Season

The start of the school year brings a natural shift in rhythm, making it the perfect time to redefine your priorities. Instead of trying to do all the things, choose 3–5 things that matter most to you right now—things that align with your values and goals.

Examples:

Morning time with God before the day begins
A weekly family dinner that’s non-negotiable
Consistent workouts that keep you energized
Meal planning to avoid weeknight chaos

3. Create Routines That Serve You, Not Stress You

The school calendar is already structured—use it to your advantage. Anchor your day with small, consistent routines that keep you on track without feeling rigid.

Think rhythm, not perfection.

Routine ideas:

Morning Anchor: Quiet time, coffee, and a short workout
Afternoon Anchor: 10 minutes to reset the kitchen and review tomorrow’s plan
Evening Anchor: Screen-free wind-down time before bed

4. Protect Your Peace and Say No with Confidence

It’s tempting to say “yes” to every volunteer opportunity, sports league, or social invite at the start of the school year. But every “yes” to something else is a “no” to your margin and mental space.

This season, protect your calendar. Only commit to what truly aligns with your priorities.

5. Start Small for a Lasting Reset

A life reset doesn’t happen overnight. Start with small, manageable changes that you can realistically maintain. The consistency will do more for you than a giant overhaul that only lasts two weeks.