Every year, when fall comes back around, we parents buckle up our seatbelts and hold on tight. Because after the long and playful days of summer, transitioning our kids into a structured school-time routine is one bumpy ride.

Back-to-school time is a hustle, and we all know organization is key. But no matter how many lunches you plan ahead of time, back-to-school season is exhausting. Not just for you, running around town, but for your little one too. And the more rest our kids get as they settle into a new routine, the better (for everyone).

Whether it felt like your hair was constantly on fire or you loved the challenge of new teaching methods, the 2020–2021 school year left most educators feeling some level of burnout, depleted, and desperately needing time to recharge. More than once, last year, I was reduced to a nonverbal puddle melting into the couch, wondering how I was going to get back up and do it again the next day. So, it’s no wonder that as many educators are back in the classroom for this new school year, we’re doing so peeking out from behind our fingers and wondering what exactly this new year will bring. 

Teachers are multitaskers, go-getters, and low-key superheroes. It tracks that we begin the year with all the good intentions to meal prep, lay out our clothes the night before, and finally get that morning routine going.

Sometimes, however, these well-meaning practices can feel like one more task on the to-do list. By incorporating mindfulness practices into our daily routines, as they are already, we create strength, cultivate adaptability, and develop a more positive mindset:

Every 30 days or so, the Sun visits a new zodiac sign. During this “season,” everyone feels the energy of this prevailing astrological sign, no matter what your Sun sign horoscope may be. The Sun moves through orderly Virgo, from August 22 to September 22, helping us streamline and systematize the chaotic areas of our lives.

Virgo is the second of the zodiac’s three earth signs and one of three mutable signs, meaning it’s adaptable and always up for a little self-improvement. Virgo is the zodiac’s editor, with keen eyes that can spot what needs to be fixed or improved. Maybe it’s time to address some health and wellness issues or to clear out the clutter and organize your workspace.

While there couldn’t be a better time for practical changes that will bring efficiency, try not to take on Virgo’s nitpicky tendencies in the process. Sometimes “done” is better than “perfect.”

As the sign of selfless service, Virgo loves to lend an assist. This has its pros and cons. Where’s the line between “being supportive” and meddling with unsolicited feedback? Be mindful of your intentions—and other people’s boundaries—during Virgo season 2021.

As we say goodbye to bombastic Leo season, here are seven ways to capitalize on the efficient, analytical Virgo season 2021 vibes:

Listen, social re-entry anxiety is real, for adults and kids alike. Not to mention, starting a new school year—coming out of a pandemic or not—is cause enough of some kids to get jitters about making friends, fitting in, and finding their community. “Some kids struggled to join in before the pandemic and may have sunk further into their own bubbles. The wall of opposition—shrugs, eye-rolling, or tantrums—is usually a sign that your child is struggling to surface in this brave new world.” says parenting expert Caroline Maguire, M.Ed. 

Social isolation has probably meant that some kids may have missed developing key social learnings, too. This may result in them feeling as though they don’t know how to navigate a conversation, reach out to others, and therefore, retreat. 

So the first thing to do is to identify where the pain points are. 

“We can all remember a time when we had to cross a room to speak to people we didn’t know or felt a nuanced and subtle slight. Due to social distancing, children have missed some of the natural progressions—the small and big social milestones that help us learn to connect. Your child may have struggled before COVID with fitting in, but now is the opportunity to identify which key social-emotional skills to work on such as chatting, approaching others, keeping a game going, reading the room,” says Maguire. 

Work with your child to find where they feel they are struggling—be an empathetic listener while doing so—and then help them build confidence in those areas. “Pair the social-emotional skills you are working on with low-key, fun opportunities to build confidence,” she says. “There are valuable social skills that come from interacting in a less-structured environment. Make this practice a game by including supportive opportunities with close friends, family, cousins, younger or older children, or a group.” The key is to practice these skills in low-stakes situations—there’s a lot of social pressure at school, so you’ll want to work on these skills in places where they know they won’t be judged—and even better, be encouraged!