5 Essential Back-to-School Tips Every Parent Needs

The school season can be exciting and overwhelming for families. Kids are adjusting to new teachers, routines, and expectations. Parents are juggling supply lists, schedules, and the emotions that come with transitions. 

Whether your child is entering kindergarten, heading into middle school, or somewhere in between, a little preparation goes a long way at the start of the school year. Here are five tips you need to help your child feel ready for school.

1. Establish Routines Early

One of the most effective ways to adjust to the school year is getting back into a daily school rhythm. If your child got used to going to sleep or waking up later, with little urgency while school was out, consider these hacks to get them back on track at the start of school.

• Move up their bedtime earlier by 15-20 minutes each night.
• Reintroduce a consistent wake-up time and morning routine everyday.
• Practice getting ready, like getting dressed for school, the night before.

2. Create a Homework Station

It can be stressful to realize that your child doesn’t have the right supplies the night before school. Beat the back-to-school scramble by preparing supplies and spaces ahead of time.

• Have a designated spot at home for your child’s school items.
• Label their supplies to help them find things and stay organized.
• Set up a station with a table in a quiet space to do school work.

3. Focus on Emotional Readiness

Academic readiness is important, and emotional readiness is just as critical! Many kids feel nervous about going back to school. Helping your child feel emotionally prepared can ease anxiety, manage stress, and build confidence.

• Normalize any nerves and check-in on how they’re feeling about school.
• Role-play school scenarios like saying hello to a new classmate or teacher.
• Share stories from your own school or work experiences to connect to them.

4. Build Healthy School Habits

There is so much that goes into preparing kids for school! Nutritious meals and limited screen time can help your child stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. Build healthy habits like these that last the school year.

• Pack balanced lunches or snacks with fruits and veggies.
• Reinforce regular meal and snack times each school day.
• Set screen-time boundaries, especially on school nights.

5. Communicate and Stay Involved

The school year is a team effort between parents, teachers, and kids. Establishing clear communication early can set your child up for academic and social success!

• Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and stay connected throughout the year.
• Use school apps, newsletters, or planners to stay informed about events.
• Ask your child questions about their day, like:

💬 “What was the best part of your day?”

💬 “What is something new you tried today?”

💬 “What’s one thing you’d like me to know about school?”

Every parent wants their child to feel confident, capable, and cared for during the school year. These five back-to-school tips give you a practical roadmap to make that happen!