As we step into September, most of us are just finding our rhythm with new school schedules, sports, and the daily juggle. 

Here’s the truth: if you wait until November to plan your holidays, you’ll already be behind. 

Whether you’ve got toddlers or adult children, intentional planning now helps prevent the overwhelm, miscommunication, and “mom-guilting” that often comes when we get closer to November.

Navigating New Schedules

Back-to-school brings shifting routines—especially if you have kids in different schools with different start and end times. Add entrepreneurship or a demanding career into the mix, and it can feel impossible to be everywhere at once. It isn’t about being present for everything—it’s about choosing when your presence matters most.

We’re talking emotionally and practically.

Not every day will go smoothly, and that’s okay. Sometimes it’s not about winning or losing the day—it’s about showing up, doing your best, and letting go of the rest.

Redefining “Off Time”

As entrepreneurs and parents, true “off time” doesn’t exist in the way it used to. Instead of checking out completely, use those quieter pockets of time to plan ahead. Birthdays, anniversaries, Friendsgivings, even the day you’ll grocery shop for Thanksgiving—all of it belongs on your calendar now.

For me, I’ve chosen in recent years to take my kids’ birthdays and my partner’s birthday off. That’s not realistic for everyone, especially in the early years of building a business, but it’s been a worthy goal for me. The key is planning ahead, not deciding at the last minute.

Tools That Work

Digital tools like Google Calendar are helpful, but don’t underestimate the power of a physical planner or a giant paper calendar on the fridge. My family relies on that big paper calendar to know the weekly flow of commitments. It’s simple, visible, and effective.

Lessons Learned the Hard Way

I’ve made the mistake of prioritizing luxury clients over my kids, and I’ve forgotten important milestones because I was too wrapped up in work. It stung. But it also taught me the importance of mapping out what truly matters, well in advance.

One piece of wisdom I carry from my mother: at the end of the day, can you honestly say you did the best you could with what you had? If yes, then let’s learn how to let those missteps go, and resolve ourselves to be better the next time. 

Don’t carry yesterday’s disappointments forward like emotional bowling balls.

Whether at home or in business, someone will always feel like you didn’t give enough—sometimes, oftentimes, that person is yourself. That’s life. The real question is: did you show up, put in the work, and give your best? If so, tomorrow’s a clean slate.

So this September, let’s start planning; not just for the holidays, but for the birthdays, events, and milestones that matter most. The payoff isn’t just smoother logistics. It’s freedom from guilt, the ability to be fully present when it counts, and the peace of knowing you’re steering the ship with intention.

Find me on Instagram @quinn.vise and show me how you schedule ahead. Cheering you on, always.

🤍 Quinn

(P.S. Stay tuned—coming soon are free planning templates and tools to help you navigate motherhood and entrepreneurship with more strategy and less stress.)