A Season of Fresh Starts
Happy New Year!
I’ve always loved September! As the kiddos head back to school and summer fades into memory, it’s time to embrace a fresh start—not just for them, but for you, too! With all the excitement of new backpacks and fresh pencils, it’s easy to get swept up in their world. Let’s chat about some fun and easy ways to hit refresh in your own life this school year, too!
1. Find Your Family Groove
Kids thrive on routines, and guess what? So do us big kids! Gather the fam to sit down and talk about establishing a weekly routine with some standing rituals like daily homework time and brain-healthy snacks, family dinners that a kiddo helps prepare, and even cozy downtime together with a game or new show one night a week. Shared activities keep everyone organized around standing activities, but they’ll also create that warm, connected home vibe we all crave. Here’s some more ideas.
Kids need to learn how to balance their work, play and self-care, too. It’s important everyone gets unstructured time every day. Kids deserve opportunities to just think, play, dream, and imagine - no screens, no tech. What’s in your home to make that easy for them to get lost in sports, art, a hobby, or a new skill?
Don’t forget to get your own personal time in there, too. Take a look at the calendar on your phone or whatever planner you use - does your routine at work or home need a refresh, too?
2. Prioritize Healthy Habits
Back-to-school season is the perfect time to focus on health! Why not take a fresh look at your family’s approach to eating and exercising? Plan some meals together—how about a fun taco night or smoothie-making session? (Think about how you can plan ahead to make it easier.) And don’t forget to incorporate some physical fun, like family walks or bike rides.
Got kids in sports or after-school stuff? Drop ‘em off, grab a friend or your partner, and go work out! What would it be like to change up your new year and add a stop at the gym or a walk with a friend to your new year right after the kids are dropped off or picked up? Making healthy living a family adventure can turn it into something everyone looks forward to.
It’s easier for kids to be active and move more if they see you doing it as part of the family routines. Adding some small “healthy me” activities to the new school routine, now, before old habits sneak back in, can bring big changes inside and out- for all of you.
Want to add more veggies to your family meals without making it a big deal? Check this out.
3. Create a Homework Haven for them, and a space to think and dream for you
Set up a dedicated homework spot in your home where the kids can focus. Think cozy chairs, good lighting, and maybe a little snack station for those study breaks.
And while you’re at it, why not perk up your own corner of your home or workspace, too? A fun, clean, and organized environment that you feel great about can boost calm, clarity, and creativity to navigate the busy school year with grace, grit, and some occasional giggles. Find a new pen, change your phone screen…
4. Keep Communication Open
Back-to-school is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen communication within your family. Consider having regular check-ins around a table or in the car where everyone can share their highs and lows. You can share one thing you’re grateful for each day, a time you used one of your strengths, how you made someone smile, or who you helped today and how…
This isn’t just about school; it’s also a chance to connect on a deeper level. Plus, when you share your own experiences and challenges, you show your kids that it’s totally okay to talk about feelings.
5. Set some Personal Goals
Just like your kids are setting their school goals, why not set some for yourself, too? Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, learning a skill, or just finding more time for self-care, having your aspirations can inspire your little ones. Show them that learning doesn’t stop after graduation, curiosity is a family value, trying new things is fun, and their dreams are worth the work to make them real.
6. Mindful Tech Use
Tech, screens, and digital connectedness are part of modern-day living and learning, but there’s a difference between mindful tech use and mindless tech use. Help your kids learn to navigate their world by modeling it yourself.
With school kicking into gear, screen time can skyrocket. Set some family tech rules to keep things balanced. Maybe designate tech-free meals, bring a deck of cards to restaurants to play UNO while you wait, or create tech-free hours to ensure everyone gets quality time together or creative time alone.
Wanna get a little crazy? For 30 days, set your phone face down anytime your kids or partner talks to you. Give them your full attention, practice active listening, and see what happens.
7. Reflect and Adjust
As the school year progresses, take time to check in with yourself and each other to see how things are going. If something isn’t working, don’t hesitate to make changes! Don’t be afraid to set a trial period - “Let’s try it for 2 weeks and see how it goes. We’ll talk about it at dinner in 2 weeks from today.” (Don’t forget to put the check-in on your calendar.)
Flexibility and communication are key; adjusting routines, expectations, and check-ins to suit your family’s needs, wants and style can lead to a happier, more balanced household, safe experiences around trying new things, a fulfilling career, and a healthier you.
The back-to-school season isn’t just about getting the kids ready for class; it’s a perfect time for you to refresh your own life, routines, rituals, and relationships, too! By embracing a bit of structure, cultivating moments for mental health, creating laid-back time for open communication, setting some personal goals, and helping your kids and yourself find balance with technology, you can create a thriving environment for the whole family and nurture yourself, too.
Grab your journal or a good friend this Month and go a little deeper…
What new routines do I want to introduce for my family this school year?
Think about how these changes can help everyone thrive and enjoy the transition.What family dynamics could use a refresh?
Identify any patterns that aren't serving your family and brainstorm small changes for a more supportive atmosphere.How can I turn back-to-school challenges into growth opportunities?
Reflect on what's challenging right now and the lessons you can learn from it.Which values do I want to prioritize this school year?
Consider what matters most and how to incorporate these values into your daily life.What small steps can I take to support my kids’ growth this year?
Identify simple actions, like family dinners or a cozy homework spot, to help your kids thrive.
Pssst… If you’re struggling with creating or maintaining a balance across all those roles, responsibilities, and external expectations you’ve got, or can’t figure out how to harmonize your needs, wants, and wishes with the realities of your daily life, let’s chat! I’d love to share how working with me can help you change your life.
You can book a free, no-obligation coaching session here to learn more.