Because managing Zoom calls and school drop-offs shouldn’t require superpowers.
The school year has officially begun — which means we’re back to juggling packed lunches, permission slips, overflowing calendars, and last-minute rides… all while trying to run a business or work from the home office.
In our house, the biggest challenge so far has been getting my teenagers out of bed after a summer of sleeping in until noon. Let’s just say the snooze button has been getting a workout — and so have my morning negotiation skills.
That said, there’s one big win this year: my daughter just started high school, which means both kids are finally on the same bus. Fewer staggered mornings = one small victory for sanity.
Back-to-school season comes with its own kind of energy. It’s part fresh start, part fire drill. And for those of us working from home, it can feel like we’re managing two full-time jobs — parent and professional — with no real separation between the two.
But here’s the good news: with a few simple strategies, you can stay productive and grounded, even on the wildest of school mornings. Let’s talk about how to make it work — without losing your mind (or your laptop charger).
1. Own Your Mornings (Even the Chaotic Ones)
Your day often rises or falls with the morning rush — and let’s be honest, teens aren’t exactly known for smooth departures. (at least mine anyway!)
If you start your workday already frazzled, it’s hard to shift gears into focus mode. That’s why a little prep and a lot of grace go a long way.
Try this:
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Do what you can the night before — lunches packed, backpacks by the door, a reminder set so someone actually remembers gym clothes.
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Build a buffer between school drop-off and your first work task. Even 10–15 minutes can make a difference.
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Anchor your mornings with a simple routine that’s just for you — coffee, stretching, journaling, whatever helps you switch from “parent mode” to “productivity mode.”
Pro tip: That quiet cup of coffee when the house is finally still? Consider it part of your workflow.
2. Align Your Work Blocks With School Hours
Now that the house is quieter, treat those daytime hours like prime real estate.
Instead of trying to fill every second, focus on using your best brain hours for your most important work. That might mean scheduling deep work in the late morning, client calls after lunch, and admin tasks toward the end of the day.
Consider:
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Time blocking your schedule based on your energy (and the school pickup schedule)
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Grouping similar tasks together to reduce mental switching
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Protecting focus time with “do not disturb” tools or calendar blockers
These small shifts can turn scattered days into structured, sustainable ones.
3. Simplify Your Systems for Fall
You don’t need a complete life overhaul — but you do need systems that support this new season.
If your routines got flexible (read: nonexistent) over the summer, now is a great time to bring a little structure back.
Helpful tools:
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A shared family calendar to keep everyone (semi-)organized
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A Sunday night planning session to map out the week ahead
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Automations or templates for repeat tasks in your business
4. Embrace Flexibility Without Losing Momentum
Some days, you’ll crush your to-do list before noon. Other days, you’ll find yourself driving across town to drop off forgotten gym clothes or reworking your day around a sick kid.
That’s not failure. That’s life — especially when you’re balancing business and family under one roof.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. One small step forward at a time, even when things don’t go as planned.
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to throw you off your game. With a little intention and a few well-placed systems, you can create space for your work, support your family, and still come out of it with your sanity (mostly) intact.
Looking for a little extra support this fall?
Grab the free Next Level Organized Toolkit — it’s packed with practical resources to help you stay focused, simplify your schedule, and bring a little more calm into your busy days.
