Maybe you’re already wistful for the long summer days when bedtimes were a suggestion and shoes were (somewhat) optional. Maybe you’re breathing a sigh of relief at getting back into a regular routine. Maybe it’s a bit of both. No matter how you feel about it, back-to-school season is upon us, and it’s time to trade beach bags for backpacks. But don’t panic! I recently chatted with actress and mom-of-two Jamie Lynn Sigler, who shared some golden nuggets of wisdom to help us all survive–and maybe even thrive–during this annual transition from vacation mode to school zone.
Jamie Lynn Sigler, mom of two boys Beau, 11, and Jack, 6, best known for her role in “The Sopranos,” and co-host of the raw, real, and beautiful MeSsy podcast, this time of year is all about finding balance, fostering independence, and prioritizing safety. In an exclusive interview, Sigler shared her insights on navigating the transition from summer to school and how she’s partnering with Amazon’s Alexa Emergency Assist to ensure her family’s well-being.
Sigler, 42, opened up about the challenges of shifting from the laid-back summer months to the structured school year. “It is quite like a shock no matter how much you prepare yourself going from summer to back to school,” she admits. To combat this, Sigler emphasizes the importance of self-care and preparation.
“I find for me, prioritizing time for myself really helps,” Sigler explains. Her morning routine includes waking up 30 to 45 minutes before her children to enjoy some quiet time, have coffee, and catch up on news. This “me time” helps her feel centered before tackling the day’s responsibilities. Sigler also revealed that meditation has become her “lifeline” over the past two years, helping to ease anxieties and improve her overall mood.
As her boys grow older and more independent, Sigler is focused on empowering them with tools and knowledge to handle various situations. This is where her partnership with Amazon’s Alexa Emergency Assist comes into play. “I think that having them have the knowledge and the tools and the autonomy to feel like they have some control over an emergency situation can only help in any other area of their life,” she says.
The service, accessible via all Echo smart speakers, allows users to simply say, “Alexa, call for help,” connecting them with trained Urgent Response agents who can request dispatch of emergency services. According to the National Fire Protection Association and the National Emergency Number Association, these calls are answered faster than industry standards. For Sigler, who travels frequently for work along with her husband, this provides peace of mind when her children are with caregivers.
Sigler emphasizes the importance of having critical information readily available, noting that one of her children has severe allergies to certain medications. The Alexa Emergency Assist profile allows users to add up to 25 emergency contacts, information about pets in the home, health conditions, allergies, medications, and even gate codes. This ensures that Urgent Response agents and first responders are thoroughly prepared when they arrive.
The service goes beyond just emergency calls. It can proactively listen for acoustic signals like smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, or the sound of breaking glass, sending Smart Alerts to users’ mobile phones if an emergency is detected while they’re away. Importantly, Alexa Emergency Assist is even available on Amazon Echo Kids devices, allowing children like Sigler’s to feel empowered and prepared for any situation. This feature particularly resonates with Sigler’s approach to fostering independence in her children while ensuring their safety.
When it comes to managing the hectic back-to-school schedule, Sigler emphasizes the importance of planning and community support. “It requires a lot of planning,” she notes, adding that she often relies on carpooling and other parents to help manage her children’s various activities. “I think it’s also great when kids can feel safe with other parents,” Sigler says, highlighting the importance of building a trusted network.
She also shared a valuable insight she once received: “Somebody once told me that one of the greatest influences on your kid during their adolescence and teen years is actually their friend’s parents.” This perspective has shaped her approach to building a supportive community around her children.
As for the dreaded task of getting kids back into a school sleep routine, Sigler takes a straightforward approach. “I’m just kind of a hard ass,” she laughs, explaining that she sets clear boundaries for bedtimes on school nights. She also uses a bit of clever persuasion, telling her sports-loving boys that sleep is when they grow, which helps motivate them to hit the hay.
When it comes to school picture day, Sigler, like many of us, has learned to embrace her children’s unique styles rather than fighting for picture-perfect outfits. “Picture day should capture who they were and what they loved in that moment in time,” she reflects, viewing these photos as time capsules of her children’s interests and personalities. “My kids will only wear jerseys with arm sleeves and the shorts rolled up with their underwear showing and their baseball necklaces. They rotate the same four or five outfits to the point where I’m like, I give up. People think my kids have no clothes. It’s fine.” She humorously adds, “I’ve given up like putting them in cute Zara and neutral outfits. They just…That time is far gone.”
Ultimately, Sigler’s approach to parenting during the back-to-school season is about finding a balance between structure and flexibility, independence and support. By fostering open communication, leveraging technology for safety, and embracing the chaos that comes with raising school-age children, Sigler is navigating this annual transition with grace and humor. Here’s to another exciting school year!
