The Invisible Load of a New School Year — and How to Lighten It
- Aug 29
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 31
A My Home COO Back to Balance Series Post
You’ve ordered the school supplies, packed the first lunches, and gotten everyone out the door (mostly) on time.
But as the first few weeks of school unfold, something else arrives quietly alongside the homework and soccer cleats:
the invisible load — that mental, emotional, and logistical work you carry without anyone else really seeing it.
It’s the permission slip on the counter.
The birthday gift you remember at the last minute.
The constant juggling of “Who’s picking up?” and “Do we have snacks for Thursday?”
What the Invisible Load Really Is
The invisible load isn’t just the doing — it’s the thinking, anticipating, and remembering behind the doing.
It’s knowing:
When picture day is (and making sure the right shirt is clean)
Which kid needs cleats by next Tuesday
That the dog’s vaccines are due next month
That your partner has a late meeting on Wednesday
We carry it in our heads, in the space between meetings, in the carpool line. It’s never written down, but it’s always there.
The Cost of Carrying It All
When you’re the one holding it all together:
You start the week already behind
You feel more irritable or snappy than you mean to
You struggle to focus on your own work or priorities
We call it “just being busy,” but the truth is: it’s decision fatigue in disguise — and it’s exhausting.
How to Lighten the Load This School Year
The load won’t magically disappear — but it can be shared, systemized, or simply set down.
1. Outsource What You Can
Errands, travel booking, research, gift shopping — these can be handled by someone else, whether it’s a family member, friend, or a professional service (like My Home COO).
2. Automate the Repeatables
Recurring grocery orders, bill payments, appointment reminders, even seasonal checklists — take them out of your head and put them on autopilot.
3. Let Go Without Guilt
Traditions or obligations that no longer serve your family’s current season? It’s okay to skip them. Sometimes “no” is the most freeing answer.
Delegation is Leadership
Running your home is just like running a team — it’s not about doing everything, it’s about making sure the right people (and tools) are in the right roles.
Sometimes, that means asking your partner or kids to step up.
Sometimes, it means bringing in outside help so you can focus on what matters most.
That’s why I created My Home COO — to help you run your home like the important operation it is.
You don’t have to carry it all.
You just need the right systems and support.
If you want a simple place to start, grab my free MHC Weekly Command Center — your one-page reset to help you see the week ahead, set priorities, and delegate what doesn’t need to be yours.
–Kara
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