The school supplies are bought, the backpacks are packed, and the flood of school emails has officially begun. Whether you’re holding back tears at the kindergarten drop-off or high-fiving yourself for a quiet house, one thing is certain—fall is here, and with it comes a powerful opportunity to reclaim your time.

As moms, it’s easy to let the back-to-school season sweep us up in a whirlwind of responsibilities. From football schedules to school calendars, meal prepping to carpool coordination, our time can quickly feel like it belongs to everyone but us. But what if this season could be different?

What if, instead of slipping into another cycle of busy, you decided to intentionally take back some time for yourself?

The Two Camps of Back-to-School Moms

When that first day of school rolls around, most moms fall into one of two camps:

Camp A: You’re thrilled. The kids are back with their friends, there’s a routine again, and you’re ready to breathe.

Camp B: You’re dreading the earlier mornings, the homework battles, and losing those slow summer days.

And if you’re like most of us, you probably feel like you’re straddling both camps—excited and exhausted all at once. Wherever you are, it’s valid. But no matter your mood, this is the perfect moment to reclaim your time and ask yourself: What do I want this season to feel like?

Understanding Parkinson’s Law (aka Why You Still Feel Busy)

There’s a concept called Parkinson’s Law that says, “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” In other words, if you give yourself an hour to fold laundry, it’ll take an hour. But if you only have 10 minutes? You’ll still get it done.

This explains why so many moms finally get all their kids in school full-time… and still don’t feel like they have more time.

Without a plan, that open window of time will fill itself—with errands, scrolling, housework, and everything in between. That’s why it’s so important to decide in advance how you want to use that newfound space.

The Power of Doing Less (On Purpose)

Reclaiming your time doesn’t have to mean launching a business or running a marathon—unless you want it to! For some, it may look like taking a nap, reading a book, or walking Target alone without little hands grabbing at everything.

The key isn’t what you do. The key is that you’re doing it on purpose.

If your soul is begging for a slower pace after a wild summer, honor that. Reclaim your time by resting without guilt. But if you’ve had a goal on your heart for months—or even years—and you finally have the space to go after it, give yourself permission to move forward.

Jessica’s Fall Intentions (and a Confession)

In this episode of Dream to Done, host Jessica Erickson shares her own goals for fall: finishing her kids’ birthday books, organizing her computer, continuing her podcast, and focusing on her health. These aren’t flashy Instagram milestones—but they matter to her, and that’s the point.

She also admits: she doesn’t do well with too much downtime. Even when rest is the goal, she needs structure and accountability to make sure she stays on track. That’s exactly why she’s hosting a 6-week group coaching program this fall—to give other moms the support she knows makes all the difference.

How to Reclaim Your Time This Fall

Here are a few questions to help you get started:

• What’s something you’ve been putting off because “you don’t have time”?
  
• If you had 10 free hours next week, how would you want to spend them?
  
• Is there a project or goal that keeps popping up in your mind?
  
• What would help you feel like you again?
  

Once you have even a rough idea, make a plan. Carve out small blocks of time. Set realistic expectations. And remember, something is always better than nothing.

Two Opportunities to Get Support

If you’re ready to reclaim your time and want some help getting started, Jessica has two great (and totally doable) options:

✅ Back-to-School Open House – August 18 at 11 AM PT
Bring your planner, schedules, and sticky notes and map out your fall with Jessica’s tried-and-true system.

🎯 6-Week Jumpstart Group Program – Starts the week of August 25
Small group coaching, personalized accountability, and the exact tools Jessica used to crush her own goals in 2023. This isn’t just about dreaming—it’s about doing.

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You Deserve to Take Up Space in Your Own Life

This fall, let’s make a pact to stop letting time manage us—and start managing it. Whether that means completing a creative project, getting back to the gym, or finally reading that book collecting dust on your nightstand, this is your invitation to reclaim your time and make this season yours.

Because when a mom goes after her goals, everyone around her benefits.
And you? You deserve to take a turn.

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Want support as you reclaim your time?
Join Jessica for the Open House on August 18 or the Back to School, Back to You 6-Week Jumpstart kicking off August 25. You’ll walk away with clarity, momentum, and a plan to finally get it done.