Back-to-school like a boss

The countdown is on—soon the kids will be back in school, and you can finally reclaim some of that precious routine. Three, two, one…cue the victory lap!

But let’s be real: back-to-school season can be a mixed bag. Excitement, nerves, anxiety, and joy—all wrapped up with a side of chaos. Sounds familiar, right? Kind of like starting a new job.

Remember when you took your last job? You didn’t just wing it; you treated onboarding seriously—meeting the team, setting goals, getting your game plan in place.

So, what if you tackled back-to-school with the same strategy?

Today, I’m going to help you do just that. Think of this as your own personal onboarding plan for the school year—except instead of a shiny new office, it’s a chaotic kitchen table. Let’s dive in.

In today’s issue, we’re going to cover:

• The major pitfalls that you’ll regret at the end of the year

• 7 ways you can onboard for the school year like a boss

What not to do: The pitfalls to avoid

Before we jump into the playbook, let’s talk about the pitfalls. These are the mistakes that will leave you regretting your choices by mid-October. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen:

• Last-minute scramble: Putting off back-to-school shopping until the last minute, only to find that Target is cleaned out.

• Ghosting the parent circle: Failing to get to know your kid’s friends and their parents.

• Overcommitting: Signing up for every volunteer opportunity, then wishing you hadn’t when your calendar is packed.

• Overlooking the teacher relationship: Not being proactive with teacher communication and missing key updates.

• Too many extracurriculars: Not considering the impact on your schedule and family time can lead to burnout for everyone.

The back-to-school playbook: Your onboarding plan

We’re not winging it this year.

You’re going to treat back-to-school like it’s your first day at a new gig. Even if your kid is staying at the same school, the context, people, and goals have shifted.

Here’s how to make this year your best yet:

1. Lay of the land: Know what you’re dealing with

Dive into your kid’s curriculum, school calendar, and any big changes from last year. Understand their daily schedule—maybe even print it out—so you know what they’re up to all day. “Who did you hang out with during second recess?”

2. Create your calendar: Sync it up

Your kid’s teacher will share key dates like Back-to-School Night, Open House, and Parent-Teacher Conferences. Get those on your work calendar now, so you’re not double-booked later. Bonus points if your school has a Google calendar you can sync.

3. Know your stakeholders: Meet the VIPs

Schedule a quick 1:1 with your kid’s teacher and swing by to introduce yourself to the school administrators. It’s like meeting with your new boss, but hopefully with less PowerPoint involved. Get to know the class parent too—you’ll be hearing from them a lot.

4. Do your homework: Review last year’s progress

Take a look at your kid’s performance review from last year and identify areas for growth. Share these with their new teacher so you’re all on the same page from day one. Don’t assume this information has been passed along from one teacher to the next.

5. Goal setting: Success for everyone

For You: Set your own parenting goals for the school year. Maybe it’s attending more school events, chaperoning a field trip, or helping with homework without losing your cool.

For Your Kid: Help your child set their goals for the year. It’s a great way for them to strive for an achievable goal and see their success. Maybe it’s reading 30 books, making a sports team, or making one new friend

6. Build your network: Make a friend

Get to know at least one new parent at drop-off or a school event. If you’re a veteran, consider yourself the unofficial “mentor” for rookie parents.

7. Prepare for “Fire Drills”: Anticipate the unexpected

Think ahead about the inevitable hiccups—sick days, forgotten projects, or the classic “I need 24 cupcakes by tomorrow” situation. Here are a couple of things you can do:

• Keep a box of supplies in the car for last-minute homework.

• Keep some gift cards on hand for staff appreciation.

As the school year kicks off, remember that just like any successful onboarding, preparation is key. By taking a proactive approach—understanding the curriculum, setting goals, and building relationships—you’ll set the stage for a smooth and rewarding year ahead.

Have a great year ahead!