Is it just me, or does September feel like everything hits at once?
Getting the kids to school.
After-school activities.
Homework.
Earlier mornings.
It can feel like your routines are unraveling before they’ve even started.
If that’s you, you’re not alone. And here’s the good news—you don’t need to overhaul your entire life to make things work better. Sometimes all it takes are a few small tweaks.
Today, I want to share three simple adjustments that can make your fall routines smoother without adding more to your plate.
Why Tiny Tweaks Work Better Than Overhauls
For years, I treated September like a time for a total reset. I’d create new schedules, new meal plans, new morning routines, and within a week, I was burnt out.
Now I know better.
Routines don’t need massive overhauls. They just need tiny tweaks that create a big impact.
Tweak #1: Anchor Your Mornings with One Non-Negotiable
Habits stick better when they’re tied to something you already do. This is called “habit anchoring.”
If you make coffee every morning, you could use that moment to also prep water bottles or sign school forms.
If you lay out clothes the night before, that could be your anchor.
For some moms, it might be starting the day with a glass of water or five quiet minutes before the kids wake up.
The key is to pick one thing that makes your morning smoother and commit to it.
“Anchors don’t have to be fancy, they just need to make life easier.”
Tweak #2: Create a 10-Minute After-School Transition Routine
Think of after-school time like landing an airplane. If the landing is bumpy, everyone feels it. If it’s smooth, the whole evening feels calmer.
Instead of chaos when the kids walk in, create a simple 10-minute routine.
For example:
- Snack time
- Quick check-in (“What happened at school today?”)
- 5–10 minutes of quiet play or homework
It doesn’t have to be strict. The goal is consistency, so everyone knows what to expect.
“A smooth after-school transition sets the tone for the whole evening.”
Tweak #3: Pick One Weekly Reset Habit
Businesses do weekly check-ins to keep projects on track. Families can do the same.
Your reset doesn’t need to take hours. It could be:
- A 20-minute Sunday prep routine
- A family meeting to review schedules
- A quick fridge clean-out so meals don’t overwhelm you
The key is to pick one reset habit that keeps your week from unraveling.
A Simple Challenge for You
Don’t try to do all three tweaks this week. Just pick one.
Anchor your mornings.
Or smooth your after-school transition.
Or choose a weekly reset.
Start there. Notice how it feels. Then, layer in more if you’re ready.
Because routines don’t have to be complicated to work. Sometimes the smallest shift makes the biggest difference.
Want More Support?
If you’re craving more tools to help your routines stick, check out the Get Stuff Done Toolkit. It’s packed with ready-to-use systems to save you time and energy, especially during busy seasons like this one.
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