6 Tips for Seamlessly Transitioning into Fall
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
It’s hard to believe that we’re already here, but summer is quickly coming to an end, and before we know it, we will be back into the fall routine. As a mom who has had many summers of orchestrating back-to-school, and a college teacher who has time off in the summers, I know the busyness of this transition all too well. The excitement, the anticipation, the nerves, the curiosity, it’s a busy time. Whether you’re coming back to work from holidays or have children starting school, the emotions can be intense, and it can be an overwhelming time to navigate.
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Over the years, I’ve found there are certain steps that make this transition easier for all, whether it’s little ones starting a new grade or just preparing yourself for the change in routine. These steps allow you, and those around you, more time to focus on the good, in hopes of alleviating some of the stress of the unknown. It’s not just about staying organized, it’s also about creating space for emotional readiness, healthy habits, and intentional living. When we plan ahead, we not only support our families but also nurture our own peace of mind. Today, I’m sharing with you my 6 tips for seamlessly transitioning into fall.
6 Tips for Seamlessly Transitioning into Fall
1. Start the Conversation
Initiate discussions around how people are feeling about coming back into the fall routine. This time of year impacts a lot more people than you may realize. I live in the heart of beautiful cottage country, which means the start of fall brings a huge shift for many of the folks around me. Some are getting ready to venture back into the city to resume full-time on-site employment, while local business owners may be anticipating the summer rush slowing down. Ask open-ended questions like, “What are you most excited about?” or “What feels hard right now?” It’s amazing how a simple conversation can uncover worries, spark motivation, and even bring about shared excitement. This is especially important for kids, who may struggle to articulate what they’re feeling.
2. Shopping
Make a list and start picking up needed items. I used to love to plan ahead with the children for back-to-school shopping. The stress of doing it all at once can feel quite overwhelming and daunting. Breaking it up into small, manageable, bite-sized pieces can be a great way to tackle it all. It also helps foster discussions about starting school by making weekly plans for what’s needed and picking them up gradually. Let children be part of the process, choosing their own backpack or lunch container can empower them and help create positive anticipation about the return to school.
3. Organize Your Calendar
Let’s be honest, sometimes our calendars in the summer may start to look a little… unkempt. Life gets busy, our schedules may become relaxed, and our need for a daily plan may become a thing of the past. Looking ahead to the end of August and into September can be a great way to start adding in reminders and important dates to help with preparedness. This is also a great time to reintroduce routines like family meals or screen-free time. You might even consider having a Sunday “reset” where the whole household prepares for the upcoming week.
4. Meal Prep
Take some time to cook meals and freeze them. It’ll certainly make things easier when starting back to school. Planning menus for school lunches ahead of time can reduce the stress at start-up. If you can, involve the kids in meal planning and prep. Let them help make muffins, portion out snacks, or assemble lunches. It teaches independence and also ensures they’re more likely to eat what’s packed! Even a couple of prepped meals can go a long way when you're adjusting back to the morning hustle.
5. Adjust Sleep and Wake Schedules
Getting back into the habit of going to bed early and waking up early is a good idea. Planning this ahead by shifting your sleep slowly over time can reduce the challenges that come with adjusting our sleep schedules. Aim to begin this process at least a week before school starts. Gradually move bedtime and wake-up time earlier by 15–30 minutes every few days. And don’t forget about screen time, powering down devices an hour before bed can help everyone sleep better.
6. Help Children Get Organized
This time of year can feel very overwhelming, especially for little ones going back to school. Helping children understand the value of laying out clothes, packing a backpack, and organizing lunch the evening before can build a good foundation for success. Consider creating a simple checklist or visual routine chart for younger children. This not only builds independence but also helps reduce morning meltdowns and confusion. For older kids, encourage them to set up their own systems, like using a calendar, keeping a planner, or organizing their study space.