How do you Stay Sane at the End of the School Year?

Can we reclaim May-Cember with some May-Sanity? Between the extra school events, appreciation weeks, countdowns, preparing for summer and all the excitement that May brings, how do we make sure we are staying centered, present and focused on what matters? This image of a woman meditating is almost satirical. This feels like the farthest thing from reality right now- a supreme reach goal. At the same time there are defiitely ways to keep your head on straight as the whirlwind of May spins around.

We've surveyed 6 seasoned moms (with 18 kids collectively!) and offer our best guidance. From perspective shifts to organization tips, there are certainly helpful tricks to keep the wheels on the bus - all the way to the end of the school year.

Ali, Book Aficionados from @The BookClubCart

WOW! I think May can be the most exciting, energetic, and enthusiastic time of year, but at the same time the most exhausting and grueling experience! A few things I hold onto during this busy season are the warmer days, later sunsets, and that it will all slow down soon.

I have noticed that this time of year is difficult for my whole family- with such a mix of emotions about the joys of growing up while navigating the realization that they are “ending” stages too. I have to remind myself daily that while I am navigating the stress of this crazy time, my littles are too. This month I rely heavily on my calendar and chalk board so the whole family can keep track of the chaos!

Having my kids home for the summer is something I absolutely cherish and look forward to after this busy month of activities! Good luck to everyone as

the school year comes to a close!

Emilee, Book Aficionados from @The BookClubCart

Is it possible to stay sane in May?! This time sure comes with high expectations and busy schedules. It seems the older your kids become, the busier this month is! For me, knowing that summer is right around the corner helps immensely. Scheduling some slower moments in with my family and friends can help too (i.e., family golfing, evening walks, a dinner out, a coffee date with a mom friend).

Although May is so busy and can bring on lots of emotions (looking at you with kids transitioning to new schools or graduating), right around the corner are sunnier, warmer days that can help give a much needed mood boost after a stressful month.

Slow moments are so important during busy times. Although they can feel impossible, they don’t have to be overcomplicated to achieve. My favorite slow moments are walking with friends in the morning and my family in the evenings. Are they daily? No. That is ok. Knowing I have something to get away from the busyness is sometimes all I need!

Kim, Home Connoisseur from @Reverie.and.Root & Founder of Spilling Goodness

Sanity in May - tall order! A few things do help though - I crave out time on Sundays to get my life (and my kids' lives) in order for the week. I confirm carpools, double check childcare, review who is going where when, call in reinforcements when necessary and get my head around the calendar. This is also when I ask for help or make the call on being overscheduled. For instance, with three kids going in three directions, if the carpool karma doesn't pan out, I'll ask my mom for help. This week, my boys are missing sports practices in favor of an outdoor band concert with pizza - priorities!

Also, focusing on what actually matters helps me a ton. And, if it isn't a definite "YES" - then it is a "no." I've had to step back and realize that while I want to do it all to 100%, somethings require that and others can be "good enough." Yes, I want to thank every teacher, the crossing guard, the bus driver and everyone who has helped my kiddos, but I can do that with a gift card - a hand made pinterest thing isn't in the cards.

Lastly, when life gets really crazy, I employ the "touch it once" method. I only open the email when I'm going to tackle the to-do inside it. I'll open the email once, order next year's school supplies and move on. I simply don't have time to come back to it. I only open the swim team schedule when I'm going to put it all on the calendar - this keeps my "mom work" more efficient and gives me some pockets of time to be with my kids instead of just handling their next activity.

Jen, Bespoke Travel Designer from @GlobalonDemandTravel

Staying sane takes real intention- especially when you're juggling work deadlines, household tasks, and a calendar full of kids' activities. If I don’t carve out at least 10–20 minutes a day to clear my head- whether it’s a quick walk with the dog, a bike ride, a chapter of a book, or a dip in the pool- everything starts to feel overwhelming. Yes, that means other things have to wait, but mental freshness has to come first.

I used to operate in full-blown chaos mode- relying on a handwritten calendar covered in scribbles, scratched-out plans, and constant changes. But now I’ve leveled up to “calmly coordinated.” The difference? Our Skylight digital calendar. Everything goes on it: school events, practices, appointments, birthdays- you name it. Everyone in the house can see the plan for the day: my husband, the kids, nanny and grandparents when they come to stay with the kids. I'm no longer the family help desk being asked, “Where are we supposed to be?” or “What color jersey do we need today?” It’s all there, uploaded automatically and in one place. It has lifted a huge mental weight. (If you try out the Skylight, get $20 off with code FRIEND-6K765LC.)

Rebecca, Woman's Leadership Coach from @PleasantlyAggressive

We review the calendar MULTIPLE times a day! I sound like a broken record asking, then asking again, “What is happening tomorrow?” and, “What do you need for tomorrow?” Cleats? Cash? Clean clothes?

Teenagers get a bad rap, but mine are really good about their schedules. They know where they need to be and when they need to be there. The biggest problem is when they make their own plans, but don’t check with us to see if it will work with the other 100 things happening that day. So, we’re working on that!

I also say no to optional things so I can be present for their games, concerts, and events. I encourage my clients to practice saying no to non-essentials, or looking for the “easy button” such as fast food for dinner, gift cards for teachers, making a donation, but not attending that event. Shoot for good-enough!

Ashley, Millennial Mom Nutrition Coach from @AshleyBreaksTheCycle

This time of year is a lot. As a mom of three in different schools and multiple sports, I live and die by our shared family calendar and yes, I check it at least three times a day. Thankfully, my husband helps with the nighttime chaos, which makes a big difference.

I've learned to say no when I need to. That might mean not volunteering in the classroom or passing on being class mom — and that’s okay. Setting boundaries is one of the best ways I protect my sanity.

I also make sure I get to the gym even if it’s just for an hour because it’s my one pocket of normalcy, and I need that reset to show up for everyone else. And I remind myself to eat. Skipping meals just leads to feeling burnt out, cranky, and eventually reaching for everything in sight by the end of the day.

I used to think being a “good mom” meant doing it all. Now I know being a present mom means protecting my peace, fueling my body, and remembering this season is hard and temporary. Summer is coming. We’ve got this.

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