Summer holidays feel like a breath of fresh air, but before you know it, back to school is here. If you're a mom, you know the drill— the summer starts with endless fun and excitement, but transitions into a whirlwind of activities and eventually, the looming first day of school. I'm sharing some of my tried-and-true tips for making the back-to-school transition less stressful and more manageable. We'll cover sleep schedules, lunch prep, outfit planning, and more. Ready to master the art of back-to-school prep? Let's jump in!
Why Back-to-School Prep is Crucial
The beginning of the school year sets the tone for the rest of the academic year. A smooth start can make a world of difference in your child’s confidence and comfort level. It’s also a sanity-saver for parents. Proper preparation can help you avoid last-minute scrambles and make the transition from lazy summer days to structured school routines much easier.
From Summer Schedules and Back to Reality
Summer is often a time of relaxed rules and spontaneous fun (at least in our home, maybe too relaxed), but this can make the return to school routines a bit jarring. It’s wonderful to enjoy these moments, the first day of school always comes faster than you think!
Sleep Schedule Reset
One of the most crucial steps in back-to-school prep is resetting your child’s sleep schedule. During July, nights were all over the place, thanks to swim meets, summer concerts, and vacations. Two weeks before school starts, gradually move bedtime back. By the first day of school, everyone should be back in the groove and ready to rise early.
Tips for Hitting Reset on Sleep Schedules
- Gradual Changes: Move bedtime 15 minutes earlier every few days until you reach the desired time.
- Create a Routine: Establish a relaxing bedtime routine that could include reading, a warm bath, or some quiet time.
- Limit Screen Time: Ensure that screens are turned off at least an hour before bedtime to help kids wind down.
Pack Lunch the Night Before
Packing lunch the night before can save you precious morning minutes. It also ensures that you have time to include nutritious options without the mad morning rush.
Lunch Packing Tips
- Plan Ahead: Create a weekly menu and prep ingredients in advance.
- Involve Your Kids: Allow them to choose from healthy options to give them a sense of control. My daughter LOVES packing her lunch.
- Use Reusable Containers: Environmentally friendly and practical, they keep food fresh and organized. We use the steel containers from ECOlunchbox.
Outfit Planning and Backpack Prep
Picking out outfits and preparing backpacks the night before can cut down on morning chaos. Lay out clothes, shoes, and accessories so there are no last-minute searches for missing items.
How to Streamline Outfit Planning
Addie in her Tiger Lily 3/4 Sleeve Twirl Dress
- Weekly Planning: Spend some time on Sunday planning outfits for the week ahead. If this is too much at once, plan the night before! My daughter opted for a new Mightly Twirl Dress in Tiger Lily.
- Weather Check: Check the weather forecast to ensure appropriate clothing choices. We've had torrential downpours the first day of school for the past two years! It put a damper on our first day photos, but we were prepared with rain boots, rain jackets and umbrellas!
- Label Everything: Especially for younger children, labeling clothes can help them get dressed independently.
Know the Bus/Drop-off Schedules
Bus routes and drop-off schedules can change from year to year. Familiarize yourself with the updated times and routes to avoid any first-day confusion.
Getting Familiar with Schedules
- Check Early: Review bus routes and school schedules a week before school starts.
- Practice Runs: Drive the route or walk to the bus stop with your child to make them comfortable.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on any last-minute changes through the school’s communication channels.
Talk to Your Little Scholar
Help ease any back to school nerves by connecting. Open communication with your child about their expectations and concerns can ease the transition. Discuss what they are looking forward to and address any fears they might have.
Tips for Effective Communication
- Be Open: Encourage your child to share their feelings without judgment.
- Share Stories: Relate your own school experiences to build empathy and understanding.
- Role-Playing: Practice potential scenarios, like meeting new friends or talking to teachers. My daughter can blurt out over unconscious and conscious thought. We spent time talking about how what we say and our tone can make others feel good or bad. We practiced how to make people feel good rather than bad.
The Importance of a Morning Routine
Creating a consistent morning routine can set a positive tone for the entire day. A smooth, stress-free morning helps everyone leave the house in a good mood. We've come a LONG way since my child's kindergarten years. She knows what to expect and feels the rhythm more now as a second grader.
Building a Morning Routine
- Wake Up Early: Give yourself and your children plenty of time to get ready.
- Morning Checklist: Create a checklist of tasks to complete every morning, such as brushing teeth, making the bed, and packing lunch.
- Healthy Breakfast: Ensure a nutritious breakfast is part of the routine to fuel your child for the day ahead.
Afternoon and Evening Routines
Just as important as the morning routine, having a consistent afternoon and evening routine can help your child wind down and get ready for the next day.
Components of a Solid Evening Routine
- Homework & Transition Time: Set aside a specific time for homework and studying. Even if homework isn’t mandatory (which it generally isn’t for my 2nd grader) I still have my child spend a short amount of time on some worksheets or reading to help transition from school to home.
- Family Time: Spend quality time together, whether it's having dinner or a small activity.
- Pre-Bedtime Rituals: Establish calming activities like reading or storytelling to help your child relax before bed.
Back-to-school prep doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By implementing these tips, you can make the transition smoother for both you and your child. From resetting sleep schedules to engaging in open communication, every step you take will help ease into the school year with confidence.
Happy back to school season!
- Candice Collison, Mom to Addie, Ellery & Lilah + Mightly CMO