October Reset: What We’re Letting Go Of This Fall
There’s something about October that always feels like a turning point. The rush of the new school year has worn off, the weather shifts, and our family starts craving slower mornings, warmer meals, and rhythms that feel more sustainable. But if I’m honest, by the time October rolls around, I’ve usually overstuffed our schedule. I’ve signed us up for too many activities, said yes to too many commitments, and loaded our homeschool plans with more than we can realistically (or joyfully) carry.
So this month, we’re hitting reset.
What We’re Letting Go Of
Over-planning. I don’t need ten different lesson plans and a dozen projects waiting in the wings. It only makes me feel behind.
Over-scheduling. We don’t have to do every practice, field trip, and co-op event. Sometimes the best memories come from an unscheduled afternoon.
Unrealistic expectations. My kids don’t need me to be the perfect teacher. They need me to be present.
What We’re Embracing Instead
Slow mornings. Coffee for me, read-alouds for them, and the kind of start that doesn’t leave us frazzled by 9 a.m.
Seasonal projects. Baking pumpkin bread, nature walks with falling leaves, crafts that feel like fall. The kind of learning that feels like life.
Margin. More white space in our days to breathe, to laugh, to linger at the table.
How We’re Making the Reset Practical
Here are ten simple ways we’re resetting this October—little shifts that make our homeschool days feel calmer, cozier, and more intentional:
Swap worksheets for read-alouds. A single good story often teaches more than a stack of papers. Get ahead and stock your library with Thanksgiving Favorites!
Plan one fall recipe a week. Baking pumpkin bread or simmering soup together counts as math, science, and memory-making.
Use nature as the lesson plan. Collect leaves, track the weather, or journal what’s changing outside your window.
Set aside one “no plans” day. Give yourself and your kids the freedom of an unstructured afternoon.
Keep morning baskets light. A devotional, a poem, and one hands-on activity can anchor the whole day. Don’t miss my morning basket bundles and basic set up help!
Limit new commitments. Say no to the extras that don’t fit your family’s energy this season.
Lean on seasonal resources. My Fall Bundles are filled with crafts, stories, and activities that fit the season perfectly—no prep needed.
Add margin to transitions. Instead of rushing, build in five minutes to breathe between subjects or outings.
Make space for cozy routines. Tea time, candles, or a favorite playlist can shift the whole mood.
End the day with gratitude. A quick round of “what we’re thankful for” resets everyone’s focus.
It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. And sometimes that means swapping out the overwhelm for something simple and intentional.
Your Turn to Reset
If October has you feeling the same tug—the desire to let go of too much and embrace a slower rhythm—maybe it’s time for your own reset. Take a look at your days and ask: what could we release? What could we embrace instead?
And if you want a practical way to bring that reset into your homeschool, you can find my Fall Bundles here. They’re designed to help families like ours step back from the overwhelm and lean into what makes this season special.
Here’s to a slower, cozier October—one filled with learning that feels like living.
