The lazy days of summer are winding to a close, which means it’s time to deflate the pool floats and dig out the backpacks! Kids and parents everywhere are about to be in for a shock as they try to adjust from the unstructured days of summer to rigid new routines. But that summer-to-school transition doesn’t have to come as a complete surprise. In fact, there are plenty of ways you can help your kids get ready now! With the right approach, you can support your child emotionally, physically, and mentally so they walk into that first day feeling confident and prepared.
Reset the Body
The physical adjustment from summer break to school days can be one of the toughest parts of the transition — but it’s also one of the most important.
☐ Ease back into sleep routines.
About one or two weeks before school starts, begin moving bedtimes earlier in 15- to 30-minute increments each night. Do the same with morning wake-ups. This slow shift helps adjust your child’s internal clock without the shock of a sudden schedule change.
☐ Fuel up with better meals.
Summer’s free-for-all snacking and late-night ice cream runs are part of the fun — but school requires more structure. Start reintroducing regular meal times, especially breakfast, and focus on balanced snacks that keep energy up and crashes at bay throughout the day.
☐ Set limits on screens.
Ease back on screen time, especially during the hour before bed. Change out tablets for books, or have your kids choose some calming music, journaling or drawing to help wind things down and encourage more restful sleep.
☐ Get moving again.
Add light physical activity back into the daily routine, especially if summer was a little more couch and a little less cardio! Morning walks, bike rides after dinner, or family yoga in the living room can help improve your mood, focus and sleep quality.
☐ Schedule health checkups.
If you haven’t already, book those annual physicals, eye exams or dentist appointments before school starts. It’s also a good time to update any medications, refill prescriptions and ensure medical records are current with the school nurse. Taking care of these now can prevent stress later.
Prepare the Mind
Getting mentally prepared for a new school year doesn’t happen overnight. Here are some small steps you can take now to make the shift smoother and more manageable.
☐ Reintroduce schedules.
Start to re-establish a daily rhythm with consistent wake-up times, meals, reading time and chores. You don’t have to go full throttle, but a little structure now can go a long way when that first school bell rings.
☐ Organize the workspace.
Designate a clean, quiet spot for homework and school supplies. Involve your child in the process by letting them pick out a fun pencil holder, colorful folders or stickers for their calendar. When they have a say in their space, they’re more likely to take pride in it!
☐ Declutter and reset.
Clean out last year’s backpacks, lunchboxes and stray crayon wrappers. Go through school supplies and donate or toss anything your child has outgrown. A fresh space helps reset the brain and makes it easier to focus when homework starts rolling in.
☐ Review what worked and what didn’t.
Take a few minutes to reflect on the past school year. What parts of your routine were chaotic? What helped the days go smoothly? Setting out clothes the night before or limiting after-school activities during the first few weeks are small tweaks that can make a big difference later.
☐ Start practicing independence.
Encourage your child to take ownership over small daily tasks. Have them pack their own lunch, organize their backpack, or choose tomorrow’s outfit. These habits help kids feel more capable and confident.
Tune–in to Emotions
The emotional side of back-to-school is just as important as getting supplies and planning lunches. For many kids, the transition can come with big feelings, and that’s completely normal.
☐ Check in early and often.
Ask your child how they’re feeling about the new school year. Use open-ended questions like, “What are you most excited about?” or “Is there anything you’re nervous about?” Listen with an open mind, and remind them that it’s OK to feel a mix of emotions.
☐ Share your own stories.
Let them know they’re not alone by sharing your own back-to-school memories, especially the moments when you felt unsure or nervous. Hearing that their grown-ups once had first-day jitters too can be incredibly comforting.
☐ Create small traditions.
Start (or continue!) a fun back-to-school tradition: a special breakfast, a photo with a grade-level sign, or a sweet note tucked into their lunchbox. These moments make the day feel special and give kids something to look forward to each year.
☐ Stay calm and confident.
Your attitude sets the tone. Even if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the to-do list, try to model a positive outlook. Emphasize the exciting parts of the year ahead: new friends, new things to learn and new opportunities to grow.
☐ Attend school events.
Back-to-school nights, open houses and meet-the-teacher events help ease anxieties by making the unfamiliar more familiar. Walking the halls or seeing the classroom before the first day can give kids a big confidence boost.
- Celebrate the countdown.
Make a simple countdown calendar or checklist to build excitement for the school year. As you check off items on your summer bucket list, you can gently switch to some school prep: shopping for school supplies, picking a first-day outfit, or practicing the walk to school. Each step brings them closer to feeling ready.
The shift from summer to school doesn’t have to be jarring. It can be a gentle, even joyful, transition when approached with intention and care. By tuning in emotionally, resetting physically and preparing mentally, families can head into the school year feeling balanced and ready to take on the days ahead. So give yourself and your kids grace, patience and encouragement. A great year is just around the corner!
