September always sneaks up on me. The last week of August stretches out with picnic dinners, popsicles in the backyard and fluid bedtimes. Then before we know it, we’re straight into field trip permission forms, bell schedules, lunch packing and carpooling to sports practice. The transition from summer freedom to the back-to-school routine is a shock to the system for both me and for the kids.
I’ve tried all kinds of strategies over the years to make the back-to-school period feel smoother. Some work temporarily, others flop immediately. This year, I’m revisiting a few tactics that focus on slowing down and staying connected.
Full transparency, I’m not an expert. I’m just a parent trying to keep it together until Thanksgiving without wishing away the fall. Here are a few of the small habits that make a big difference for our family.
Walk (or Park Further Away)
Walking is my favourite way to kick off the day, so we walk to school whenever possible. If walking the whole way isn’t doable for you, try parking a few blocks away. That movement and fresh air gives us a few minutes of calm before the day kicks off. There are few distractions besides a darting neighbourhood cat. We chat about the day ahead, while a little hand finds its way into mine. Walking is a great way to create connection between the morning rush and the day ahead.
Laugh
Laughter is the best medicine they say, so I intentionally try to get laughs out of the kids each day, usually after school when they’re tired and need to release. I make a silly face, bust out a ridiculous dance move or crack a cheesy joke. It feels forced initially but once you get them going, you’ll find yourselves genuinely laughing and the sound of those giggles melts the day away. If bad jokes and pulling faces fail, try gentle tickling or asking for them to tickle you.
Read
Ten minutes of reading can sound like a lot but when you make it a habit, it sticks. Whether it’s a picture book, a chapter of a novel or a story they wrote at school, sitting together helps us wind down and share an interest. Cuddles are almost guaranteed when you read together, even if it’s a car magazine about the SUV of the year, which is my son’s current literature of choice.
Reset
A messy house creates feelings of chaos. Cleaning up before bed was becoming a battle I was losing when I realized the marketing of it needed work. Words like “tidying” or “cleaning up” never land well but when we rebrand it as a “reset” and add music, the energy shifts. We take turns choosing a song and for the duration of it, we “reset” the house, putting things back where they go. It’s amazing how different the space feels after four minutes of concentrated “resetting.” Plus, a lively song at a generous volume can get a great vibe going.
Breathe
September will always come with a little chaos and recalibration. As I thought about the elements of summer I wanted to bring into the school year, it wasn’t the frozen treats or the long evenings, it was the slower pace and the moments in between activities. With these few simple habits, I’m hoping to prioritize connection over perfection, with the hope that some calm balances out the inevitable rushed mornings and search for lost lunch containers.
