Back to school season always brings new rhythms and routines for our family of five. With a preschooler, a tween, and a teenager under one roof, mornings and evenings can feel like a juggling act! But over the years, I’ve found a few simple ways to keep things running smoothly—and to make sure we end each day with joy and peace.

Making Mornings Run Smoother

Mornings set the tone for the whole day, so I try to keep ours as calm and prepared as possible.

• Prep the Night Before: Outfits are picked out the night before (yes, even for my teen son who would otherwise spend 15 minutes debating hoodies). Backpacks and lunchboxes are lined up by the door, ready to grab and go.

• Simple Breakfast Choices: I keep a handful of easy, go-to breakfasts on rotation—smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt parfaits—so no one’s standing in the kitchen asking, “What’s for breakfast?” at 7 a.m.

• Start with Gratitude & Prayer: We take a quick moment in the morning to pray together and thank the Lord for the day ahead. It helps us start with the right focus and a calmer spirit.

Lightening Up Evenings

After a full day of school, homework, and activities, evenings are about reconnecting and recharging.

• Family Dinner When Possible: We can’t do it every night, but I treasure the times when we all sit down together. Sharing highs and lows of the day keeps us connected.

• Keep Chores Manageable: Each child helps with small age-appropriate tasks. It teaches responsibility without overwhelming them. (My preschooler loves being my “table helper”!)

• Wind Down with Intentional Joy: We try to end the evening on a lighthearted note—maybe a family walk, a game, or simply laughing together in the kitchen.

Our Bedtime Routine

One thing that’s worked beautifully for our family is having all the kids head to their rooms at the same time, even though their lights-out times are different. The teen and tween get a little extra reading time, while my preschooler goes to bed earlier. It creates consistency without constant negotiating.

Every night, we also take our elderberry gummies together—it’s become a little family ritual. So far this school season, we haven’t had a single cold in our house—praise the Lord!

But my very favorite part of bedtime is something I started with my firstborn son when he was just a little guy, and I’ve kept it going with each of my kids. Every night, before they fall asleep, I tell them: “I love you, and I’m proud of you.” No matter what kind of day we had, I want those words to be the last thing they hear from me. It’s such a simple way to plant seeds of love and encouragement in their hearts.

Finally, before lights out, I always remind my kids: rest is a gift from God, and tomorrow is a fresh start.

Parenting through different stages all at once isn’t always easy, but routines like these help bring peace to our home and joy to our family.

What about you? What’s your best back-to-school parenting tip for smooth mornings or peaceful evenings? I’d love to hear your ideas!