Back to School is here or closely approaching—and it’s normal for emotions to be running high, for both kids and parents. Checking off a few bucket list items as well as taking simple steps to prepare can help make you feel like you’ve made the most of summer, and are ready for the school year.
These items below are easy to accomplish and won’t take hours to check off.
Spend Time With *Only* Family
Summer is a free-flowing time with camp, grilling out and beach days with friends, and maybe even a trip with extended family. But especially if you have multiple kids heading to different schools this year, take some time (a day, weekend or week) to do something with just your immediate family. When you’re in the throes of fall sports, activities and school, you’ll be glad you did.
Buy Some Back to School Supplies
A few fresh things can make the year feel exciting, and looking at a shiny new backpack, lunchbox or water bottle help kids feel happy about that first day approaching.
Read 8 Must-Have Backpacks & Lunchboxes and 6 Water Bottles That Make Hydration Easy.
Start Getting Back to Bedtime
If you’ve been loosening the reigns for 2+ months, moving bedtime back to normal can feel very abrupt and unfair if you do it all at once, the night before school starts. Plus, summertime jetlag is real!
Start moving bedtime back to normal about a week before school starts, 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and you’ll all get off to a better start with sleep this year.
Get Any Forms Filled Out
Have doctors forms, releases, or other things signed off on before that first day, so you can spend your first week getting back to whatever you want or need to do, instead of running to the pediatrician and begging them to sign off on whatever you forgot to give them earlier this summer.
Visit the Playground
Especially if your child is starting a new school, stopping by the playground (with or without friends) can make school feel familiar that first day. They may not be able to see their classroom, but at least they can see the outside, and where they’ll be at recess.
Pick a First Day Outfit & Make a Picture Board
You don’t need a fancy chalkboard or an expensive outfit (it’s more important that your child loves and it doesn’t even have to be new!). But having a sign ready to go and an outfit chosen can help you get that first day photo done with less stress. Don't forget to schedule a haircut—we love Sharkey's for their great cuts and super kid and teen-friendly atmosphere.
Talk About Any Worries, But Not All Day
Experts say to talk over any concerns but not to let it take over your household. Let your child share what they’re concerned about, and then move on to the next activity of the day. It’s totally normal to be nervous, but ruminating with them or an extended period will make it seem like it’s not.
Dial in the Morning Routine
Especially if your child is having butterflies, practicing the morning routine can help them know what to expect—you can even drive past school and get donuts to make the dry run extra fun. Buying a morning routine chart (or making one using Chat GPT or Canva or doing freehand!) can also help you get back to business, faster.
More back-to-school inspiration from the Local Moms Network:
5 Ways to Center Yourself for the New School Year
Easy After School Snack Board from The BakerMama
How to Help Kids from Toddler to Teens Get Over Back-to-School Blues
