For many parents, back-to-school can be a daunting time. It means getting organized, restocking supplies, and ensuring a smooth transition while kids are often stressed about the change in routine and return to hard work.

But it doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it feels. You can remove the stress surrounding the return to school and even make it fun for you and the kids. It’s just a matter of having the right preparation and tricks up your sleeve. 

And that starts with getting a head start. 

Here are some back-to-school tips for parents to help you navigate the upcoming changes like a pro.

Ways Parents Can Prepare Before the Big Day

A lot of parents find back-to-school stressful because everything changes all at once, starting with the night before the big day. 

Kids often wake up on the morning of the first day of school claiming that they don’t have the supplies they need, forgot to set their alarm, or are simply unequipped to deal with the day. Sometimes you’re left tired because you had to wake up an extra hour early for work to make your kid’s lunch. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s how to switch things up. 

Establish a Routine in Advance

If your children are used to sleeping in until noon during the summer, they’re in for a rude awakening when they have to wake up at seven. They may not even be able to fall asleep the night before since they slept in the morning prior.

To prevent this from happening, gradually ease your kids back into their school routine before they have to make the big leap. A week before school starts, send them to bed thirty minutes earlier and make them get up thirty minutes earlier, slowly closing the gap between their summer and school routines. 

Don’t Rely On Your Kids to Keep Up With Supplies Needs

If your child is generally conscientious and always knows what supplies they need a week or two in advance, that’s awesome. 

If they tend to be a bit more forgetful or disorganized, reach out to the school. Teachers often have a planning week before the start of the school year. This way, you’ll know exactly what they need, and there’ll be no last-minute panic (or sad faces when they return home at the end of the day).

Stay Aware of Summer Assignments

Likewise, it’s a good idea to learn about any summer assignments your kids have at the start of the summer. Doing so allows you to keep up with their progress and gently remind them that they need to complete it before school starts again. 

Don’t let your kids leave summer homework to the last minute or until it’s time to go on your summer vacation getaway. Instead, set aside time for them to complete their assignments. Show support by sitting down with them to help if they need it. 

Come Up With Easy Lunches

If you plan to pack your kids’ lunches from home, ensure you have all the supplies you may need, from ice packs to tupperware, as well as some easy lunch ideas. You’ll want quick items you can throw together early in the morning or refrigerate the night before. 

It’s also a good idea to get your kids’ opinions on your lunch ideas. Of course, you’re the parent and can make them eat a nutritious meal, but they may have preferences or their own ideas to contribute. This will also help prevent any last-minute complaints.

Set Expectations

Set expectations not just for your kids’ sake but for your own. While we’d all love our children to be straight-A students, it’s unrealistic for many, and it’s best to encourage them to do their best without putting undue pressure on them. Otherwise, you may increase stress and anxiety for everyone.

It helps to have an honest chat together. Look at past grades and identify areas where they could improve, but also point out where they’re doing great. Set goals together—and maybe even future rewards.

Have an Open Discussion

Don’t just discuss grade expectations, but make sure you talk to your kids about their return to school and ask if they have any concerns or worries they want to discuss with you. Don’t push them if they say no, but make it clear you have an open-door policy and are willing to listen without criticism or judgment. This can make all the difference for kids who may be experiencing a hard time at school.

On the Day: Parenting Tips for School Mornings

The first day of school is finally here, and your kids are ready to return, but you know that the first morning is often the most hectic. Here are some tips to keep it easy-breezy. 

Get Up Early

Waking early is one of the more obvious back-to-school routine tips, but it can’t be stated enough. Even if your kids keep asking for ten more minutes of sleep and you feel tempted to allow it, don’t! Otherwise, they may end up rushing at the last minute and start the day off stressed, especially if they forget something in their hurry.

Make a Checklist

Making a supplies checklist can help ensure your kids pack everything they need. While the checklist will vary depending on your kid’s age, it will include items like:

  • Writing tools (pens, pencils, notepads)
  • Textbooks
  • Summer homework assignments 
  • A water bottle
  • Lunch
  • Money, if they need it

You don’t have to search their bag and check this list yourself. Instead, show your trust and let your kids handle it independently (unless they’re too young to do so responsibly).

Leave Plenty of Time

Whether you’re driving your kids to school or they’re hopping on the school bus, make sure to leave plenty of time. 

When going back to school, parents can calm themselves and their kids by ensuring they leave a few minutes early for the bus or get in the car with time to spare. That way, if there’s traffic or the bus comes early, no one will be late on the first day.

Follow These Back-to-School Tips for a Stress-Free Time

Even the thought of your kids returning to school can make you want to bury your head in the sand and ignore the upcoming stress. But it doesn’t have to be stressful at all! 

Prepare in advance with these back-to-school tips for parents, keep a calm head, and have some trust in your kids, and you’ll be surprised at how simple the transition can be.