Family Balance: Tips for Back-to-School Success

Collaborative Family Scheduling

The key is to create the schedule collaboratively with your kids. Giving them agency and a voice in the process not only makes for a more functional schedule, but also gives them ownership over their commitments. Here are some tips for creating a family schedule that works with your kids:

Get Input from Your Kids

Schedule a family meeting to create the schedule together. Provide a list of categories to brainstorm and have everyone contribute their must-haves. The categories might include:

• Academics: Homework time, study sessions, tutoring, etc.
• Activities: Extracurricular commitments like sports, music, clubs
• Chores: Regular household tasks like cleaning rooms, walking pets
• Self-care: Free time, play time, relaxation, sleep
• Service: Community service, volunteering activities

Note the time commitments and locations for recurring activities so you can map them correctly on the calendar. As you review the list, check in with your kids: Does the schedule seem reasonable? Are there any days that feel too packed? Getting their feedback is critical.

Avoid Overscheduling

Look out for weeks when every day is jam-packed with activities, which can lead to stress and burnout over time. Remember that downtime is as significant as structured time, allowing kids to recharge. Signs of an overscheduled child can include moodiness, anxiety, fatigue, lack of focus, etc.

If your child already seems overextended with current commitments, consider having them scale back an activity. Or if they want to try something new, look for an activity they can swap out. Making intentional trade-offs helps keep the schedule balanced.

Map Out the Schedule Visually

Once you’ve settled on the right mix of activities, map them on a calendar everyone can access. Seeing the schedule visually lets the whole family quickly check upcoming commitments. Place the calendar on the fridge, a family command center, or set digital calendar reminders.

Some other visual tools include:

• Daily checklists: These break down tasks by morning, afternoon, evening.
• Countdown calendars: Cross off days leading up to big events.
• Task boards: Notes can track rotating chores and homework.

Make sure to schedule a weekly family check-in to review the calendar and catch any needed adjustments early.

Stick to a Regular Routine

In addition to the schedule, predictable daily and weekly routines help provide stability amid the busyness of school and activities. Aim to keep consistent wake-up times and bedtimes, which ensures kids get the 9–12 hours of sleep recommended for their age. Build in consistent downtime after school and before bedtime as well.

Another good routine is a regular family meal, which provides a chance to connect. Having quick and healthy go-to dinner recipes ready helps make this achievable on busy nights.

Of course, building new habits takes time. Refresh the routine if you get off track instead of abandoning it altogether. Consistency over time is critical.

Foster Self-Management Skills

Equip kids with strategies to own their schedule commitments, such as packing their activity bag the night before or finishing homework before playtime.

Teach time management through tools like scheduling daily homework or setting smartphone reminders for tasks. Outline what should happen if students forget assignments or activities.

Most importantly, resist the urge to helicopter parent! Allow a bit of struggle instead of constantly reminding and micromanaging. Empower kids to problem solve when they make small mistakes or have conflicts arise. Learning to self-manage prepares them for adulthood.

The new school year offers families a fresh start to implement helpful organization systems and communication rhythms. While no schedule is perfect, intentionally creating structure together with your kids sets them up to thrive. Be flexible when the inevitable hiccups happen, and you’ll continue adjusting as the year goes on.