The end of summer break signals a new school year is on the horizon. As the calendar creeps closer to that first day back in the classroom, families start feeling the back to school jitters. The carefree days of summer are coming to a close, and it’s time to get back into a set routine. While going back to school is exciting for some kids, it can also be stressful for children and parents alike. Here are some tips to help ease the transition back to school.

Coping with the Schedule Change

The free-flowing schedule of summer break contrasts sharply with the structure of the school year. Kids who have been sleeping in and setting their own agendas will need to adjust to earlier wake-up times and expectations throughout the day. This schedule change can be difficult for some children. As a parent, you can help by slowly transitioning bedtime and morning routines the weeks leading up to the first day. Aim to shift bedtimes 15-30 minutes earlier each week and set alarm clocks earlier too. Ease into the morning routine and pick out outfits ahead of time. The more you can do now to establish structure, the smoother the adjustment will be.

Parents also feel the impact of the schedule change. No more sleeping in or leisurely cups of coffee in the morning. Parents of school-age kids need to be up and out the door early. Scheduling adjustments are especially difficult for parents who work and now have to factor in school drop-offs and pick-ups. Take some time now to think through your morning routine and streamline things as much as possible. Stock up on grab-and-go breakfasts, assign chores, and lay out backpacks and clothes the night before. With some advanced preparation, parents can also ease into the new morning flow.

Tracking Down Back to School Supplies

Outfitting students for the school year requires time and money. Supply lists often include staples like pencils, paper and folders, along with specific items for individual classes and grade levels. Shopping for all the required gear can quickly add up, so take advantage of seasonal sales and bulk pricing. Make a master list of everything your child needs to streamline shopping trips. Buying extra of essentials like pens and paper will save you from running out mid-year.

Many parents also take part in pre-packaged school supply kits offered through retailers or schools. These bundles contain exactly what students need for their grade and classroom. While convenient, pre-packaged kits are often more expensive than buying items separately on sale. Chat with other parents to see if group ordering kits could lead to bulk discounts. Getting together with friends to shop the sales and split bulk packs is another way to save.

Don’t forget to stock up on extras like tissues, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer for your child to bring to school too. Check with teachers to see if any specialty items are needed for specific classes or projects as well. And if you just can’t find certain items on the shelves, check with the school. Many have extra supplies on hand for families who can’t afford brand new items.

Switching Gears with After School Activities

The school year brings changes to extracurricular activities too. Summer days were likely packed with swimming, camps, random neighborhood activities with friends, and plenty of outdoor play time. Now kids will shift into new schedules and environments for sports, music, clubs and other sponsored programs.

If your child participated in summer activities, explain that the season has ended and new schedules begin. Ease disappointment by focusing on the positives of upcoming fall activities. Share that it’s normal for seasons to change and new opportunities to arrive.

When possible, have kids attend orientation sessions, visit activity locations, and meet instructors or coaches ahead of time. Knowing what to expect can alleviate anxiety. Share activity schedules so children know what’s to come. Transitioning from the relaxed nature of summer to highly scheduled fall activities takes adjustment. Offer lots of encouragement and try to limit scheduling conflicts in the first few weeks.

Staying Positive Through the Transition

Even kids who love school can experience some nerves or reluctance going back. New teachers, classrooms, or separating from summer friends can be hard. Anxiety is normal but as parents, we can help reframe the experience.

Focus on the positives like seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and learning new things. Share your own happy memories from school to get kids excited. Take time to walk through what the school day will look and feel like. Read books together about starting school to talk through anticipated emotions.

When you drop children off the first few mornings, stick around until they are engaged in an activity. Make yourself available if the teacher needs your help easing any separation anxiety. Also set up a goodbye ritual like a special handshake to reassure kids as you drop them off.

Emotional support continues when kids come home too. Expect some grumpiness as children adjust to being back in learning mode versus summer mode. Set aside downtime after school to recharge. Offer a small treat or activity as a reward for a day well done. Provide an outlet for children to share their feelings and experiences each day. With your encouragement, students will get into the swing of things emotionally as well as physically.

Going back to school is a major transition but some thoughtful preparation makes the change smoother on families. Ease into new routines, stock up on essentials, transition extracurriculars, and provide emotional support along the way. With these tips, you can send your kids back to school with confidence.