Sept. 3, 2026

BEST OF: How to Make the Back-to-School Transition a Little Easier

Make back-to-school season less stressful with these tips on sleep schedules, meal planning, and simple routines. Margaret and Amy share ways to reduce overwhelm, save time, and support kids' mental health this fall.

Back-to-school season doesn’t have to be a chaotic scramble. In this "Best of" episode, Margaret and Amy share practical tips to help parents make the transition smoother—without getting caught up in the “back-to-school industrial complex.”

From resetting sleep schedules to planning meals and snacks, here's what really matters for your child’s success and well-being this fall. You’ll hear strategies for easing morning stress, tackling "after-school restraint collapse,” and checking in on your family’s values to make sure those priorities are aligning with your new school-year schedule.

Margaret and Amy discuss:

  • How much sleep kids really need—and how to help them get it
  • Meal and snack strategies to keep your kid energized
  • Using visual schedules to stay organized

Share this episode with a fellow parent who's overwhelmed with all things back-to-school!


Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode:

What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables.

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