Back to School for Working Moms: 10 Tips for a Fall Reset

There’s something about the start of the school year that feels like a reset button.

Even if you can’t stand pumpkin spice, the starting of a new school year and hints of seasonal changes suggests a hope for positive change.

The air gets crisper, routines shift, and many of us—especially us working mamas—are juggling new schedules, bigger to-do lists, and the constant pull between work and home. The idea of finding balance between these worlds can feel like an impossible project.

This season can be a natural invitation to pause, reflect, and shore up your executive function skills —the mental “CEO” tools that help you plan, prioritize, and follow through. When these skills are supported, burnout is less likely, balance feels more possible, and the daily chaos becomes just a little more manageable.

Here are 10 of my favorite practical tips to help you start this fall with clarity and confidence:

1. Choose a system and stick with it

Whether it’s a paper planner or a digital calendar, pick one central hub for your schedule and actually use it. Be honest with yourself if you are a digital or a paper kind of gal (sadly, I’m a digital girl, but if I wasn’t I would LOVE these planners from Rifle Paper Co). Consistency is what makes it work.

2. Front-load your calendar

Enter every appointment, recurring meeting, and family event you already know about. Take those 5 million emails you just got from your kid’s school or coach and add in all of those dates now. Having the big picture early keeps surprises to a minimum.

3. Plan for your own basics

Meals, exercise, downtime—your needs matter. Map out simple routines that keep you fueled and grounded before the season gets hectic. If you can, hold to a Sunday night planning schedule to decide on some of those ideas on the weekly and record them where others can see the plans as well (I just bought this weekly wipe-off calendar to help document some of this for my family).

4. Create a “launch pad” at home

Designate one small spot for essentials you use every day as you’re leaving: car keys, sunglasses, extra charger, etc. Treat yourself to a cute basket and place it near your entryway. No more frantic morning searches when you’re already running behind.

5. Find accountability partners

A friend for workouts, a coworker for tough projects, or even a text thread with another mom. Accountability keeps you moving forward when motivation dips.

6. Protect a workspace

Even if it’s just a table in your bedroom, claim a clutter-free spot that signals “focus mode” when you sit down. We’re light on extra space at my house, but I found just enough room to fit a small desk and chair near my bedroom window that I keep stocked with inspirational reading, colorful gel pens, a candle, and my Lego botanical bouquet that brings me joy every time I look at it (plus it never dies!).

7. Stock easy snacks

Busy days happen. Keep quick, nourishing options on hand so you’re not running on fumes between commitments. You will never find me without a small bag of almonds for those moments when I’m real close to hangry.

8. Organize realistically

Set up systems that match your style and executive function strengths. If folding laundry never happens, use baskets for holding things that don’t wrinkle. Simplify instead of striving for perfect.

9. Try a brain dump notebook

Keep a notebook nearby for all those late-night ideas and to-dos. Getting them out of your head creates mental breathing room and space to actually get the relaxation and sleep you need to attack the sh#t out of you to-do list tomorrow.

10. Write yourself a reminder

At the start of the season, jot a note to yourself on a post-it and place it right where you will see it everyday—why you’re doing what you’re doing, and what matters most. For me, it’s a reminder about my why for starting this business. Revisit it on the tough days.

Your Fall Reset

The school year isn’t just a reset for kids—it’s an opportunity for you, too. Setting up supportive routines and building off your executive function skill strengths now can mean less stress, more balance, and more energy for what matters most.

If you’re feeling stretched thin right now, remember: you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to give you the tools and support you need to reset and thrive this fall or anytime of year. We are offering new programs all of the time that can help.

👉 Join our newsletter today to stay in the loop about how Empowered Focus helps midlife women create balance without burnout by leveraging your strengths and building the skills to make amazing positive changes in your daily life.