The back-to-school season can be exciting & stressful for both us parents and the kids. I have four kids with the oldest two are already out of the home, so I’ve seen it all—nervous jitters, wrong buses, and first-day mix-ups.
I’ve developed some strategies to ease the transition and make the start of the school year as smooth as possible. Whether your child is entering kindergarten, junior high, high school, or just moving up a grade these tips will help you and your family navigate the new school year confidently!
Watch how to put tips into action in this video. Also don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for new videos every week.
Visit the School Beforehand
If your child is starting a new school, whether it’s junior high, high school, or even just a different elementary school, it’s a great idea to visit the school beforehand. Take a day to walk through their schedule with them, helping them find each classroom and get familiar with the layout of the building. This simple act can do wonders for easing their anxiety.
My son Jonah was particularly nervous about starting junior high, especially with the new A/B day schedule. We visited the school together, walked through his schedule, practiced opening his locker, and mapped out the best routes between classes. By the time school started, he felt much more comfortable and ready to take on the new challenges.
Laminate & Post Schedules
Another tip that worked wonders for us was creating laminated schedules for Jonah. I used a purple cow laminator to make small, durable cards with his A day schedule on one side and his B day schedule on the other. These cards are the perfect size to fit in his hand or pocket, and he can also hang them in his locker. Having a clear, easy-to-read schedule on hand helped Jonah feel more in control and less overwhelmed during those first few days.
Watch how to put organize a school locker to set your kids up for success this school year in this video. Also don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for new videos every week.
Meet the Teacher
One of the best ways to ease your child’s nerves is to attend back-to-school night and meet the teacher. When your child has a chance to meet their teacher beforehand, it puts a face to a name and makes the first day less intimidating. They’ll know exactly who to expect when they walk into the classroom, which can make all the difference in their comfort level. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to introduce yourself and establish a line of communication with the teacher from the get-go.
Establish a Sleep Routine
Getting your kids back into a school sleep schedule can be a challenge, especially after a summer of late nights and lazy mornings. We aim to start this process about two weeks before school starts, though admittedly, it’s often more like one week! The key is consistency. We have a set bedtime of 8:30 PM and wake-up time of 6:30 AM, which allows enough time for the kids to get ready and leave the house on time. Adjusting their sleep schedule in advance helps them ease into early mornings and reduces the shock of waking up at the crack of dawn on the first day of school.
Set Up Morning and Evening Routines
To reduce chaos in the mornings, I’ve created clear morning and evening routines for the kids, which I’ve posted on our garage door. These routines outline what needs to be done to get ready for school and for bed, and the kids know exactly what’s expected of them. The morning routine might include:
- getting dressed
- eating breakfast
- brushing teeth
- packing backpacks
While the evening routine covers:
- homework
- showering
- preparing for the next day.
I’ve shared these printables in a previous vlog, and they’ve been a game-changer for our family. When the kids know what they need to do, it cuts down on last-minute scrambling and ensures we all start the day on the right foot.
Set a Routine for Parents
It’s not just the kids who need a routine—parents do too! Having a clear routine for yourself can help reduce your stress and ensure that you’re organized and ready for the school year. When you’re calm and collected, it sets a positive tone for your children and helps them feel more secure.
Whether it’s setting aside time each evening to go over the next day’s schedule, packing lunches the night before, or planning out your mornings, a little preparation goes a long way in making the school year manageable.
Organize School Supplies
A designated area for school supplies, backpacks, and shoes is a must for keeping everything organized. We have specific spots for each child’s belongings, which helps eliminate the morning rush of trying to find that missing shoe or misplaced homework. Knowing exactly where their things are saves time and reduces stress, making it easier to get out the door on time. I’ve shown our setup in past videos, and it’s a system that works well for us year after year.
See how to put together a homework station. This has been one of my favorite organizing projects for the kids.
Having a launch pad for shoes, backpacks & keys is so helpful for the crazy mornings trying to get out the door. See my launch pad mentioned in my video on time saving hacks for moms.
Communicate with Teachers
Communication with your child’s teacher is crucial, especially if your child has any special needs or behaviors that require attention.
At the start of the school year, take the time to talk with each teacher about your child’s strengths, challenges, and any specific needs they may have. You know your child best, and by sharing this information with their teachers, you can help create a supportive environment that fosters their success. For instance, if your child has ADHD, it might be helpful to establish an email system with the teacher to stay updated on their progress and any issues that arise.
Teach Bus Routes
One of the most nerve-wracking aspects of the school year can be navigating the bus route. Teach your child their bus stop and the exact route they should take. Explain where they should get on and off, and walk them through it a few times before the first day. I learned this lesson the hard way when our first born daughter, who was in first or second grade at the time, decided to walk home from school. Instead of taking the bus she thought she knew the way from our regular drives, but she got lost and ended up in a different neighborhood. Fortunately, a kind neighbor found her and called me, but it was a terrifying experience. We had a long talk about the importance of sticking to the bus route, and I started following the bus on occasion to make sure I knew where all the stops were, just in case.
Follow the Bus
If you’re still feeling anxious about the bus situation, consider following the bus on its route to get a sense of the stops and timings. or the easy way, see if the pick up & drop offs are posted on the school our school district website.
This can be particularly helpful if your child misses their stop or doesn’t get off where they’re supposed to. By knowing the bus route, you can quickly track them down and avoid the panic of not knowing where they are.
Expect Nervousness
It’s completely normal for kids to experience nervousness during the first few weeks of school. You might notice that they have stomach aches, headaches, or other physical symptoms of stress. This is especially common during the adjustment period, as their bodies and minds adapt to the new routine. One of my daughters used to come home with headaches because she couldn’t read the red dry erase marker her teacher used on the board. We eventually discovered that she didn’t need glasses, but she had trouble with the red color. Being aware of these potential issues allows you to address them early on and make any necessary adjustments.
Create Traditions
Creating back-to-school traditions is a wonderful way to build excitement and reduce anxiety about the new school year.
On the morning of the first day, we always have a special back-to-school breakfast with blueberry muffins, pancakes (sometimes with chocolate chips), fruit, and orange juice. These small traditions make the day special and give the kids something positive to focus on as they head back to school.
Be Your Child’s Advocate
As a parent, you are your child’s best advocate. If you know they struggle with certain behaviors or situations, don’t hesitate to communicate this to their teachers. For example, if your child doesn’t respond well to public discipline, let the teacher know. Teachers are generally very understanding and will appreciate the insight you provide. By working together, you can create an environment where your child feels safe and supported.
The start of a new school year doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation and a few strategic routines, you can make the transition smoother for both you and your child. Whether it’s visiting the school, establishing a sleep routine, or creating special traditions, these tips will help set the stage for a successful and stress-free school year. And remember, you’re not alone in this—every parent faces similar challenges, and by sharing our experiences, we can all learn from each other. Best of luck with the new school year, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey!