In the latest episode of "The Breakdown with Bethany," host Bethany Braun-Silva sat down with the ever-inspiring Allison Holker to discuss how she manages the back-to-school rush while balancing self-care and parenting her three kids. Holker, a dancer and TV personality known for her grace and positivity, opened up about the “beautiful chaos” of life with a 16-year-old, an 8-year-old, and a 4-year-old, and how she’s learned to roll with it.
“When it comes to back to school, back to school is always a crazy time. I've got a 16-year-old, an 8-year-old, and a 4-year-old. But I love the beautiful chaos of everything,” Holker shared. As many parents can relate, the whirlwind of schedules, activities, and endless to-do lists can be overwhelming, but Holker has found ways to make it work, especially with the help of her new favorite service, Shipt. “Shipt has made my life so much easier. I'm always on the go. I'm always at basketball camps. I'm always taking my kids to their school activities.”
Holker emphasized that her partnership with Shipt was a game changer for her back-to-school prep. “It just seemed like this summer when I was getting ready for this year… I had never heard of Shipt, if I'm completely honest. But when they told me they were same-day shipping from so many incredible companies I already order from, I thought it was an amazing escape for me to make my life so much easier.” For Holker, being able to streamline her errands while staying active in her kids' lives is key to maintaining her sanity.
As a mom of three at very different stages, Holker has gained perspective over the years. Reflecting on her parenting journey, she shared how her approach has evolved with each child. “My oldest, I definitely was a lot more in control of everything and guiding the whole way,” she said. But as her family grew, she discovered the beauty in fostering independence. “When you start to have more kids, you see what they can actually obtain and the knowledge they can actually instill in you… I've implemented a lot more into their independence, especially into the younger ages.”
One of the ongoing challenges Holker faces is managing her youngest’s picky eating habits. “My youngest is a picky eater. My older two are not, but my youngest is such a picky eater. She doesn't want to eat anything. It feels like ever. So it's this constant battle,” she admitted. Like many parents, Holker finds herself trying to offer a variety of snacks while sneaking in healthier options whenever possible.
Beyond the day-to-day logistics, Holker also focuses on instilling long-term habits in her children, particularly her 16-year-old daughter. Growing up with a mom who emphasized setting goals, Holker carries on the tradition. “I always grew up because of my mother as a huge goal writer… I make my oldest write it out every year, so I'll have her probably do it the next week or two before school starts.” It’s an important practice for Holker, encouraging her children to think about both short- and long-term goals, fostering a sense of direction as they grow.
Throughout the episode, Holker’s message was clear: Parenting is a journey of growth, learning, and, most important, finding ways to make life a little easier along the way. From Shipt to snack hacks and goal-setting traditions, Holker’s strategies for staying organized and mindful offer a refreshing take on the back-to-school hustle.
Watch the entire episode below
