Even though my boys don’t go back to school until the late August, I’ve already started doing little things to prepare.

I’ve learned that the first few weeks of school always feel a little chaotic. Everyone is adjusting to earlier mornings, new routines, homework, sports, and figuring out a new rhythm.

Instead of trying to do everything once school starts, I like to get a few things done ahead of time. None of these take a ton of effort, but together they make those first weeks feel so much less overwhelming.

1. Make a list of your family’s easiest dinners.

Before school starts, I like to think through the meals I know everyone will eat. Nothing fancy—just easy dinners that I can make on busy nights without much thought.

Even having a short list ready makes it easier when the inevitable “What’s for dinner?” question comes up.

2. Cook once, eat twice.

If you’re already making taco meat, spaghetti sauce, burgers, or taquitos double the recipe and freeze half.

If freezer dump meals are more your style, this is a great time to make a couple of those, too. Having even two or three meals ready for busy evenings can be such a gift once school and activities are in full swing.

3. Prep breakfasts before you need them.

School mornings come early.

I like to keep the freezer stocked with pancakes, muffins, and ham protein biscuits. I always have yogurt in the fridge and overnight oats ready to grab. Breakfast doesn’t have to be elaborate—it just needs to be quick enough that everyone starts the day with something to eat.

4. Fill your freezer with lunchbox favorites.

This is one of my favorite things to prep before school starts.

I make homemade pizza bites with pepperoni and mozzarella rolled inside dough, then freeze them. The night before school, I pull out however many we need, and they’re ready to toss into a lunchbox the next morning. My boys are perfectly happy eating them cold!

Another favorite is little pigs in a blanket made with cocktail wieners wrapped in crescent roll dough. One of my boys loves everything bagel seasoning on top, while the other prefers them plain. They’re simple, freeze beautifully, and make packing lunches so much easier.

5. Bake a few snacks ahead of time.

If you enjoy baking, August is a great time to get ahead.

Healthy muffins, homemade pretzel bites, crackers, or cookies all freeze well and make great lunchbox or after-school snacks.

If you have a mason jar vacuum sealer, you can even seal dry snacks to help keep them fresh longer.

6. Remember: you’re preparing for progress, not perfection.

The first few weeks of school are an adjustment for every family.

Doing a little prep now won’t eliminate the chaos completely, but it can make those first mornings and evenings feel a whole lot calmer. And honestly, that’s all I’m aiming for.