How to Get a Head Start on Back to School (for ADHD Families)
- Allison Converse
- 11 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Back to school season doesn't have to hit you all at once. We're talking about how to ease into the next season without rushing it, two simple low-effort things you can do now to get ahead, and a little peek at what's coming in August.
In this week's podcast episode, we're starting to look ahead. Summer isn't over yet, and I'm not rushing you out of it. But there are a couple of small, low-effort things you can do right now that will make the back to school transition so much smoother when it comes. Consider this a little gift to future you.
You Don't Have to Flip a Switch Overnight
Here's the mindset shift I want you to hear today:
you don't have to flip a switch from summer to school mode overnight.
There's this pressure that the second August hits, you have to have it all together...
the supplies
the routines
the lunches
the schedules
...all of it, ready to go.
But transitions don't have to be abrupt.
In fact, for ADHD brains and ADHD kids, abrupt transitions are usually the hardest.
So instead of one big stressful jump, we're going to ease into it.
A little at a time.
A few small things now, so back to school doesn't hit you all at once.
You still have time to enjoy the rest of summer... we're just taking a little pressure off future you.
Two Simple Things You Can Do Now
Here are two low-effort things you can do right now to get a head start.
I promise they're easy.
📝 Your Head-Start Checklist
Cross-check the school supply list at home first.
As soon as you have the list, go through what you already have...
leftover supplies
backpacks
lunch boxes
pencil cases
headphones
See what's still in good shape and what actually needs replacing.
This saves you from those last-minute Target runs where you buy stuff you already had, and if you need to budget, it gives you time to spread out those purchases instead of one big overwhelming trip.
Have your kids do a clothes "fashion show."
Let them try things on, see what still fits, and make a simple list of what needs replacing before school starts. It turns a tedious task into something playful and it gets your kids involved instead of you doing it all yourself.
Just a couple of small things now that make the whole back to school season so much smoother later.
Being Honest About My Own Full Season
I want to be a little more open with you about my own life right now, because I think it matters. This is a really full season for our family.
On top of easing into back to school, we're also getting our home ready to sell and move.
So there is a LOT on my plate at the moment.
And here's the thing... I could try to do it all at once and completely burn out.
Or I can take my own advice and do it in small steps.
So that's what I'm doing.
A little supply prep one day.
A little home project another day.
Some days I don't touch any of it, and that's okay too.
I'm giving myself the same grace I'm always encouraging you to give yourself.
Because the truth is, life doesn't wait for a convenient time to get full.
The seasons pile up.
And the only way I know how to get through a full one without losing myself is to break it down and take it one small piece at a time.
So if you're in a full season too... whatever that looks like for you.
I hope you'll be just as gentle with yourself.
We're in this together.
What's Coming in August
Here's a little peek at what's ahead.
August is going to be our Back-to-School Reset month where I'll walk you through setting up your home, your routines, and your systems for a smoother school year. And I have something special coming to help you with exactly that.
I can't wait to share it, so make sure you're following along so you don't miss it.
If summer support has been helpful for you, the same kind of support carries right into the school year too. If that's something you'd love help with, come say hi you can DM me on Instagram or visit my website to learn more about how I can support you and your family, no matter what season you're in.
Key Takeaways
You don't have to switch from summer to school mode overnight.
A quick supply and clothes check now saves you from the last-minute scramble.
Easing in gently is so much kinder than one big stressful jump.
Let's Stay Connected
