This school year may look different for many of you mamas, and we know how hard it is. What’s usually a season of anticipation with front porch photos and shopping for back to school supplies has been replaced with uncertainty and technological frustrations. The fear of failing at homeschooling, virtual learning, your career, and just surviving motherhood right now overwhelms most of us. It’s too much responsibility for anyone. And if you are feeling overwhelmed you are not alone.

Here’s to making the most of the next few months, starting our school year off a little differently, and finding peace in the process. To help make the transition from summer to school a little easier on you, we've pulled together the following tips:

1. Get up early. It’s hard at first, but it gets easier and…. it’s worth it. Find a moment of quiet with your coffee or tea and mentally prepare for the day. The shift from being needed by a child from the second you open your eyes, to instead giving yourself a few minutes is quite meaningful. Make it a ritual.

2. Get dressed. Even if you’re just staying around the house - peel off those comfy PJs and put on clothes that make you feel good. Dress up our foldover joggers with a cute sweater or cardigan, brush your hair and stick with your morning skincare routine. Bonus points for mascara.

3. Try the inchworm method. Learned from our friends at Other Goose - this method is especially helpful if you have young children at home. Rotate back and forth between giving your kids undivided attention and letting them play independently. Give them a solid chunk of playtime (even 10-15 minutes is substantial) and then let them play independently while you make breakfast, answer emails or tend to a younger sibling.

4. Lower your expectations. No, you likely won’t get to everything on your to-do list right now and that’s OK. There’s always tomorrow. There’s always next week. Try to be realistic about what you can accomplish in one day and let your to-do list reflect that.

5. Practice gratitude for this time. It’s easy to get frustrated at our current situation and climate but flip the switch - and think about all of the extra hugs you’ve been able to give your kids. All of the lunches you’ve been able to eat together, the extra laughs and conversations. Witnessing their development and growth before your own eyes. This is time we may not ever have the opportunity to get again and remembering that in your moments of exhaustion can help!