Summer is winding down and soon alarm clocks will be ringing again as hectic school schedules become the norm. Whether your child is entering kindergarten, their final year of high school, or any grade in between, the first day of school can bring anxiety for students and parents. The key to easing this transition lies in preparation and a little foresight.
Here are strategies to help both you and your children start the school year smoothly.
For the Parents: Reducing your own stress
- Map out your schedule now Invest in a family calendar to visualize everyone’s commitments. Updating it regularly can minimize surprises and foster teamwork.
- Review paperwork and school website. Don’t let that pile of paperwork collect dust. Reading it now and checking the school website can prevent first-day confusion or surprises, like discovering the daily start time has changed.
- Reach out to teachers early. If you have contact information, don’t hesitate to email teachers with questions. A little communication now can go a long way.
- Develop a backup plan. Life happens. Think about different scenarios that may interrupt your normal school-day routines. What happens if an early morning meeting pops onto your schedule or if you’re delayed in traffic? Having a plan can help eliminate stress when something changes. Can a neighbor help with pickup? Can your child use the bus or aftercare program?
- Work as a team. Share responsibilities with your partner or support network. Lean on friends, family, or neighbors. People are often willing to help if asked.
- Prioritize back-to-school expenses. Buying school supplies and new clothes is exciting for the kids but expensive for parents. And once school starts, miscellaneous fees (e.g., field trips, yearbooks, sports expenses, etc.) start to trickle in. Write down everything you think your students need with estimated costs and then prioritize. There may be something on the list that can wait.
- Discuss rules and expectations. Talk to your children about new routines like earlier bedtimes, less screen time, and homework priorities. Set the tone now to avoid friction later.
- Write it down. Lists can be sanity savers. Free your mental bandwidth by jotting down questions and to-dos.
- Don't be afraid to say no. Volunteering is rewarding but not always essential. Focus on what works for your family’s schedule and well-being.
For the Kids: Setting them up for success
- Fill their backpacks ahead of time. A few days before school starts, organize their new school supplies. Double check the supply list and pack their backpacks together. This can be a fun activity that builds excitement and confidence.
- Lay out their clothes. Choosing the first-day outfit ahead of time is easy, but the real challenge is maintaining this habit throughout the year. Keep it part of your routine to ease morning stress. For parents of teens, this may be easier said than done!
- Pack lunches the night before. This may be a small change, but it can provide big returns. Prepping lunch the night before saves valuable time in the morning.
- Check out the bus stop. If your child is new to riding the bus, take a walk or bike ride to the stop. Familiarity helps reduce first-day jitters.
- Set several alarms. Especially for teens, setting multiple alarms ensures they're up and moving with enough time before school.
- Establish a reasonable bedtime routine. Transitioning from summer sleep habits can be tough. Start easing your kids into a school-year bedtime and discuss how much sleep they need based on age, typically between 8 and 13 hours.
- Get a jump start on coursework. Older students can benefit from beginning light reading or assignments a few days in advance. This can lessen the workload shock.
- Designate a departure time. Inevitably, the morning routine won’t always go as planned. Be sure your kids know when you’ll be leaving, and don’t forget to build a five–seven–minute cushion for extra traffic or the missing gym shoe.
As the new school year approaches, remember that stress can be alleviated. There are some things, as parents, we simply have to let go of, but for everything else, a little planning goes a long way. With teamwork, preparation, and a bit of flexibility, your family can start the school year with confidence and calm.
