Well, folks. The back-to-school season is upon us. If you're feeling a little stressy or perhaps even a bit messy, you're not alone. Between navigating pre-first-day jitters, prepping the kids for 6 AM wakeup calls, and managing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with readjusting to new routines, it's easy to put yourself last on the priority list. But, parents, stay with us now—what if we told you that taking care of yourself first isn't selfish—it's essential?
The Goods Inside
- Ashley’s Four Non-Negotiables for Keeping It Cool
- Navigating Change With Young Kids
- Understanding the Art of “Re-Entry”
- Why Being “Real” Makes You a Better Parent
- Practical Solutions for Crispy Parents
- Your Back-to-School Self-Care Action Plan
We sat down with supermodel, entrepreneur, mom and OLLY Brand Ambassador Ashley Graham to talk about navigating major transitions while keeping it calm, cool & collected, for everybody’s sake.
Ashley's Four Non-Negotiables for Keeping It Cool
As a mom of three boys, Ashley’s tricks for staying grounded are refreshingly simple:
1. Stick to Morning Routines Like Glue
"In our house, mornings start with brushing teeth, getting dressed, family time, and breakfast. It's small but powerful and sets the tone for the day.
2. Check In, Hydrate, Repeat
"I do a little check-in with myself. Am I drinking water? Resting? Is my partner doing okay? When those three things are orbiting properly, we’re good.” Wellness for the whole family starts with you and boo.
3. Commit to Getting Great Zzz’s
For Ashley, quality rest isn't negotiable—it's the foundation that makes everything else possible. It’s medicine.
4. Embrace the Mess
Her final piece of wisdom? "Don't underestimate the power of turning into a Type B personality—organized chaos is a lifestyle." If a few things slip while you’re trying to keep the ship sailing, so be it. It is what it is. And you know what? It’s allllll good. (Really, it is.)
Navigating & Normalizing Change
Ashley's approach to big life changes—whether it's a new school year or a big career shift—centers on one key strategy: talking about everything ahead of time to normalize it for the whole family.
"Like when the twins started summer school, we made it part of everyday conversation for months," she shares. "Isaac helped prep them by sharing stories about school, and it made the transition feel like an exciting next step instead of a big, scary shift."
“We try to keep everything conversational with the kids. Make it feel normal, not a big deal. That way, when the change comes, they feel ready—because they've already been living with the idea for a while."
Understanding the Art of “Re-Entry”
One of Ashley's most practical pieces of advice? The power of using transition moments to reground herself. Think of it as taking some time for you before diving right back into that chaotic room, that stressful convo, or that beautifully messy kitchen.
"I always take a moment before I walk back into the house—whether that's a quiet car ride home, a deep condition in the shower, or connecting with my husband," she explains. "That 're-entering' time is sacred. You've got to do the little things that set you up for success before jumping back into the chaos."
It’s not about lengthy self-care rituals—it's about creating intentional little buffers, little pockets of “me time” that help you show up as your best self for your family.
“You’ve got to do the little things that set you up for success before jumping back into the chaos.”
Why Being Real Makes You a Better Parent
At OLLY, we believe that you can’t be well if you can’t be real. Ashley's honesty policy on managing mental health as a parent is no different. Her point of view is as refreshing as it is practical: "If you don't get that stuff out, it shows up somewhere else—stress has a way of leaking."
Rather than pretending everything is 100% perfect all the time, Ashley models authenticity for her littles. "We talk to our kids like real humans. If I need a minute, I say it. 'Mom's working' or 'Mom needs a break.' And guess what? They don’t ALWAYS listen—but we ALWAYS get to it."
This commitment to realness has had a real impact on her family. “It makes us all more respectful of each other's space. My kids know how to give me a moment, and they feel more comfortable asking for one themselves. It builds mutual understanding, and honestly, it's made us stronger as a family."
Practical Solutions for Crispy Parents
To parents reportedly feeling overwhelmed, overloaded, & overbooked during this transition, Ashley shares a few practical tips for reclaiming some control:
Plan Something To Look Forward To
"A show you only watch with your partner. A little date night at home. A moment just for reconnecting."
Bring Back Family Rules
"Maybe bring back rules like 'no sidebar convos' at dinner," Ashley suggests, emphasizing the importance of leaving connection time for connection.
Turn Chores Into Activities
"My boys are obsessed with vacuuming and doing dishes right now. Isaac is learning how to do laundry. It teaches them independence and helps them feel capable."
Embrace the "No Boredom" Philosophy
“In our house, we always say, "There's no such thing as being bored," Ashley shares. This mindset shift helps the littles feel like the bosses of their own entertainment, making them more resourceful and self-sufficient.
Rely on Your Wellness Routine
Ashley emphasizes that wellness isn't just about individual practices—it's about having the right support in place. “OLLY is always there for me—in a gummy way or another,” she laughs. “Goodbye Stress, Sleep, Women's Multi, Kids Multi… they've got something for every part of my day.”
Your Back-to-School Self-Care Action Plan
Ready to press go? Yeah, you are. Start with these, and you’ll be well on your way to making this school year one for the books:
1. Do Your Daily Check-In
Ask yourself, am I drinking water? Getting enough rest? Eating more than the crumbled, half-bitten granola bar living at the bottom of my bag? Is my partner okay?
2. Create Transition Rituals
Find your own version of Ashley's "re-entering" moments. Maybe it's five minutes in the car before going inside, a quick shower, or a quick jaunt around the backyard to reset your energy.
3. Make Change Conversational
Start talking about upcoming transitions early and often. Make them part of your family's normal dialogue rather than letting them bubble up as big, scary “what if’s”.
The Bottom Line
“Giving yourself permission to be honest helps you be a better parent in the long run.”
We know we can't pour from an empty cup, right? So, we’ve got to be real about our needs to give our loved ones what they need.
Lean on your tools. Check in with yourself. Be kind to yourself. You’ve got this. (Yes, you do.)
FDA Disclaimer:
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The Goods Inside
- Ashley’s Four Non-Negotiables for Keeping It Cool
- Navigating Change With Young Kids
- Understanding the Art of “Re-Entry”
- Why Being “Real” Makes You a Better Parent
- Practical Solutions for Crispy Parents
- Your Back-to-School Self-Care Action Plan
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