September 9, 2025
The Honest Answer
It isn’t easy. The shift from summer chaos to school-year routines can feel like a relief, but also a juggling act. Having the right environment makes all the difference.
Back to Life, Back to Reality
School bells are ringing, backpacks are packed, and after a long summer, routines are finally snapping back into place. For many parents, the return to school is both a relief and a juggling act: your kids are settled into their classrooms, but now it’s time for you to get back into your own flow of work, goals, and focus.
Coworking at Lower Lincoln is designed for just that, giving parents the balance of productivity, flexibility, and community support. Here are some practical tips to help you make this back-to-school season your most productive one yet.
5 Tips for Parents in a Coworking Space
- Start Your Day with a Reset
Mornings can be chaotic: drop-offs, forgotten lunchboxes, and the ever-present “did you brush your teeth?” reminder. Once the school bell rings, give yourself a moment to reset. Head to your spot at Lower Lincoln, grab a coffee (or cold brew on tap), and take ten minutes to map out your top three priorities for the day.
This small ritual creates separation from the morning hustle and sets you up for a more focused, intentional workday.
- Build a Midday Break You’ll Look Forward To
Parents know that midday hours are precious. Whether you’ve got five errands to run or just need a moment to recharge, coworking gives you the flexibility to make those breaks count.
At Lower Lincoln, you’re steps away from downtown Valpo’s restaurants and cafes, perfect for a quick sushi roll, a cozy soup, or even just a walk around the square. We’ve also got a fridge and microwave if you’re more of a BYO; just heat, eat, and stake out a spot to enjoy whatever deliciousness you brought from home. Treating lunch as a true reset helps you return to your work refreshed and ready to tackle the afternoon.
- Lean on the Community
Even when you’re working solo, you don’t have to feel alone. One of the biggest perks of coworking is the built-in support system: people to share ideas with, ask for a quick gut-check, or just chat with while you refill your coffee.
For parents especially, it’s nice to know that others understand the balancing act, whether that’s swapping stories about school pick-up or brainstorming ways to streamline your business. At Lower Lincoln, your community is always here when you need it.
- Use Boundaries to Your Advantage
One of the toughest parts of working from home as a parent is separating work from family life. At Lower Lincoln, the physical shift in environment helps create a natural boundary: when you’re here, you’re focused on your goals; when you leave, you can be fully present with your family.
Set your own “end of day” ritual: closing your laptop, making a final to-do list, or catching up with another member before heading out. That intentional closure helps you transition smoothly back into parent mode.
- Plan for Flexibility
No two school days are alike. There will be sick days, field trips, and after-school activities that throw a wrench in even the best-laid plans. That’s why flexibility matters.
With a Lower Lincoln membership, you have the space and tools you need when you need them, without the overhead of a traditional office lease. It’s the best of both worlds: a reliable workspace plus the freedom to roll with whatever the school calendar throws your way.
Final Thought: Give Yourself Grace
As much as we love a perfectly structured schedule, real life is messy. Some days you’ll hit every deadline, and other days you’ll be running late to pick-up with snacks in hand. That’s okay.
The key is having a space and community that supports you through it all. At Lower Lincoln, we believe productivity isn’t about doing it all, it’s about finding the rhythm that works for you.
Ready to hit reset this season? Your goals deserve the same focus your kids bring to their schoolwork. Become a member today and find the support, space, and community you’ve been looking for.
