Back-to-School Season: Time Management Tips for Busy Families

How to navigate competing priorities without the stress and fatigue

I recently shared some Back-to-School Transition Planning: Tips for Working Moms – Career Mom Community here on the blog. I am still in slight disbelief that it is back-to-school season already, yet here we are! A part of me is longing for just one more trip to the water park, but fall travel is calling me more. I digress. In today’s post, I will be sharing time management tips to help busy families navigate competing priorities so they can avoid the stress this transition can cause. Let’s dive in…

How to navigate competing priorities

My family had an extremely busy summer. It was purposeful but it came with several demands. I can only imagine that the fall month will continue the same trajectory. My kids have become more active in sports and activities. They are finding their groove in childhood and life. For that, I am thankful.

However, between my commitments and their activities, the schedule is full. Planning has been my go-to process to navigate competing priorities. When I plan the month at a high level and the week in more detail, it helps me to avoid conflicts.

How to manage the stress of transitions

Managing the stress of transitions involves adopting strategies that promote emotional well-being and flexibility. Here are some tips to help you navigate transitions more smoothly:

• Stay organized
• Ask for support (now is not the time to be supermom)
• Break down activities into manageable tasks and timelines
• Practice flexibility by embracing pivots and unknowns
• Stay present
• Set realistic expectations for yourself and others

I also say time management is an art, not a science. How each person manages their time should be specific to the individual, or family, and based on their specific needs. Keep planning and leveraging the above time to navigate the back-to-school journey successfully.