Back to School, Back to Sanity: Building Clean & Sustainable Routines for Wellness with Little Kids

As September rolls in, the words “back to school” take on a whole new meaning in my household. With three kids under five, I’m not just packing lunchboxes or organizing tiny backpacks—I’m trying to create routines that keep us healthy, happy, sustainable, and (mostly) sane.

Running my own business means my days are already full, and adding the layers of early mornings, school drop-offs, and after-school meltdowns could easily tip the balance. But I’ve found that leaning into clean routines, sustainable swaps, and prioritizing wellness makes all the difference—for my kids, and for me.

Here are a few things that work for us:

1. Simplicity first.

I don’t overcomplicate meals or snacks. A mix of colorful fruits, veggies, and proteins keeps my kids energized, and prepping simple options ahead of time helps us avoid reaching for packaged, processed choices in a rush.

Whenever possible, I choose organic produce and buy in bulk to cut down on plastic packaging.

2. Built-in movement.

Little kids have a lot of energy. Instead of fighting it, I make movement part of our routine—walks after school, dance parties in the kitchen, or even stretching together before bed.

Walking instead of driving short distances isn’t just good for our bodies—it’s a small way to reduce our family’s carbon footprint too.

3. Sustainable swaps.

Back-to-school often comes with a rush to buy new supplies, but I try to keep things simple. Reusable snack bags, stainless steel water bottles, and hand-me-down backpacks not only save money but also keep unnecessary waste out of landfills. My kids are learning early that “new” doesn’t always mean “better.”

4. Protecting sleep.

Sleep is wellness, especially for little ones. Keeping a consistent bedtime routine—even when life gets hectic—creates a rhythm that helps everyone wind down and recharge.

We use blackout curtains and skip electronic devices before bed—simple choices that save energy and support rest.

5. Giving myself grace.

Not every day is perfect. Some mornings the shoes don’t match, or someone cries all the way to school. I remind myself that wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention, and building habits that support our family long-term. That goes for sustainability too: it’s about progress, not perfection.

At the end of the day, I want the best for my kids’ health and mine. That means showing them that taking care of ourselves—and the planet—is just as important as learning ABCs and 123s. A clean and sustainable routine doesn’t just keep our bodies healthy—it keeps our family grounded in the chaos of early childhood and entrepreneurship.

Back to school may always be a little messy, but with the right mindset, it can also be a season of growth—for all of us.

Written by Juliana Fondacaro, Founder, Foundation PR