How to Prep for August Like a Pro Mom

Because summer’s not over, but school’s already breathing down your neck and it’s time to prep

August doesn’t gently whisper “back to school.” It shows up with a megaphone, a pile of forms, and a cart full of glue sticks. If you’re trying to keep one foot in summer and one in school prep, you’re not alone. Here’s how I attempt to juggle the chaos like a woman with a label maker and a dream.

1. 📅 Check the School Calendar Early

The minute it hits your inbox, print it and stick it somewhere obvious. I like to highlight everything like I’m prepping for a final exam. It doesn’t mean I’ll remember anything, but it helps me feel prepared. Picture day will still sneak up on me, but at least I tried.

2. 📂 Set Up the Command Center

This sounds fancier than it is. I clear a little counter space, add a basket for papers, and slap a calendar on the wall. If I’m really on it, I’ll add a pen that’s not missing its cap. It’s not Pinterest worthy, but it keeps the piles of chaos in one central location.

3. 🛏️ Ease into Earlier Bedtimes

We slowly start shifting bedtime back to a school friendly hour. The kids hate it, I hate it, but future us appreciates the effort. It’s mostly just earlier lights out and a lot of complaining. Still, it beats a first-day zombie child staring into their cereal.

4. ✏️ Buy Supplies in Two Waves

I’ve learned to grab the basics early ~ pencils, folders, crayons ~ before the stores look like a post apocalyptic wasteland. But I wait on the oddly specific teacher items until I actually get the list. No sense buying neon index cards and eight glue sticks if they’re not needed. Let’s not overachieve before August 15.

5. 🍽️ Prep a Few Go-To Dinners

I’m not trying to win a culinary award, I just want food on the table without tears. I plan a few easy dinners… maybe even freeze one or two if I’m feeling bold. Sheet pan fajitas or breakfast for dinner are my go-tos. If all else fails, cereal is always dinner’s cool, unfussy cousin.

6. 🗣️ Talk About Feelings

Back-to-school brings big emotions for kids and moms. I try to check in with them… What are you excited about? What’s making you nervous? And then later, I check in with myself, usually while hiding in the pantry with snacks. Transitions are tough, even if we’ve done them before.

7. 📦 Reset the Drop Zone

You know the space where backpacks explode and shoes vanish? Clean it up, or at least make it look like you tried. Add a few hooks, a bench if you’re fancy, and a basket labeled “miscellaneous” to hold all the things no one knows what to do with. It’s like staging a tiny hallway miracle.

8. 🧘‍♀️ … And Breathe

There’s no award for the most prepared mom. If the clothes are clean and everyone eats something, it’s a win. Your calendar doesn’t have to be color-coded and your lunches don’t need to be shaped like animals. This season isn’t about perfection; it’s about transitioning well and doing your best.

You don’t need to have it all together to handle August. Just a plan, a prayer, and maybe a second iced coffee or Sweet Tea. You’ve got this.

Yours Truly, Katie