The holidays are over, and as much as we love the extra family time, relaxed schedules, and late mornings, reality sets back in—it’s time to re-establish routines. But transitioning back to structure can be challenging, both for parents and kids.

In this episode of UNrattled: A Podcast for Parents, hosts Austin Lee, Jessica Stinson, and Vinnie dive into the struggles of resetting routines, managing back-to-school anxiety, and adjusting parental expectations to avoid burnout. From bedtime battles and morning meltdowns to the guilt of not having everything “together,” this candid conversation is filled with humor, relatable stories, and practical strategies to help families ease into a new year with less stress and more balance.

You’ll hear real-life moments about kids resisting bath time, parents grappling with self-sabotage, and how even small changes—like waking up earlier or setting a positive tone in the morning—can completely transform your family’s day. Plus, we explore the pressure parents put on themselves, the trap of social media comparison, and why letting go of unrealistic expectations can make all the difference.

If you’re struggling to get your family back on track after the holidays, this episode will remind you that perfect routines don’t exist—but progress does.

Key Takeaways:

1. Rebuilding Routines After the Holidays (00:02:31)

   • Why structure is essential after time off

   • How to create morning and evening routines that actually work

   • Setting realistic goals to avoid frustration

2. Managing Back-to-School Anxiety (00:10:33)

   • How to help kids transition from holiday mode to school mode

   • Encouraging independence and responsibility in kids

   • Teaching children to recognize and manage their own stress

3. Avoiding Parental Burnout (00:18:19)

   • The importance of giving yourself grace

   • How comparison on social media can increase stress

   • The power of prioritizing what really matters in family life

4. Time Management for Parents (00:21:50)

   • The impact of waking up earlier to create a calmer morning

   • Simple strategies for meal planning and preparation

   • How giving kids choices within routines can reduce power struggles

5. Mindful Parenting & Encouraging Positive Mindsets (00:24:52)

   • Teaching kids that they choose their attitude each day

   • Why small morning affirmations can set a positive tone

   • Letting go of unrealistic expectations and embracing progress over perfection

With personal anecdotes, humor, and insightful parenting moments, this episode reminds parents that they’re not alone in the struggle to reset routines and that sometimes, the best lessons come from our kids.

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