I’ve read that it takes 66 days, on average, to set a new routine, so be patient but also know that the time you put in now will help your kids feel calmer and more in control of their lives. And that really can make every day lovelier.

Summer can feel hard to let go of, but the time you spend now establishing routines really will make the whole year run more smoothly. And, once you’ve recorded all the key dates, find a way to share your calendar so that you are not the keeper of all knowledge.