If September feels like a second New Year, you’re not alone. Between school drop-offs, after-school activities, and work, back-to-school season can feel like a marathon. As both a Realtor and a mom, I know the juggle well and I’ve picked up a few strategies that keep the chaos in check.
1. Create a Launch Pad
Designate one spot at home (a mudroom hook or hallway shelf) where backpacks, lunch boxes, and shoes live. Having everything in one place means no morning scavenger hunts before the school bell at Glenbrook or Duggan Middle.
2. Embrace the Family Calendar
Whether you’re using Google Calendar or love a big wall planner from Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, having everyone’s schedule in one place is a game-changer. Color-coding by person helps kids take ownership of their activities too, whether it’s soccer practice at Blunt Park or dance class in Longmeadow.
3. Meal Prep = Sanity Saver
Weeknights are busy enough. A little Sunday prep goes a long way. Picking up fresh produce at Randall’s Farm in Ludlow or strolling the stalls at the Springfield Farmers’ Market turns meal prep into a family outing.
4. Build in Downtime
It’s tempting to pack the calendar, but kids (and caregivers!) need breathing room. Protecting one or two free evenings each week helps the whole family recharge. A quiet walk through Look Park in NoHo or a bubble tea break at Joy Cup in East Longmeadow is a simple way to hit pause and reconnect.
5. Don’t Forget Parent Time
The back-to-school shuffle is real, but carving out time for yourself matters. Whether it’s a morning class at SWEAT Power Yoga, an energizing Peloton ride, or coffee with a friend at Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters in East Hampton, a centered parent helps the whole household feel calmer.
Back-to-school season is a lot but it’s also a fresh start. With a little planning (and grace when things go sideways), families can move from chaos to rhythm. Plus, once you're in the groove, Fall in this part of the state really shines. From the excitement of The Big E, to crisp afternoons apple picking at McCray's Farm, to savoring a warm cider donut at Atkins Farms Country Market, Fall in Western Mass offers no shortage of traditions to enjoy. Happy Fall!
-mela