Whether the kids are getting ready for the their first time at preschool or kindergarten, or are old timers entering elementary, middle, or high school, here are a few back-to-school strategies to get them ready as summer winds down.

Choosing School Supplies

Choosing new backpacks and lunchboxes for younger kids, and letting your older ones shop for cool school supplies and new clothes, can be one of the parts of going back to school that are most fun for kids. Don’t forget to download the school supply list from school before hitting the back-to-school sales (many of which are already in full swing.)   

Organize the Family

Getting organized makes the transition from summer days at the pool to fall days at school smoother and less stressful. Create a back-to-school checklist, or download one that covers everything from school forms and sports physicals, to haircuts and shopping.                           

Reintroduce a Schedule 

“Children respond well to schedules when they know what to anticipate.  Reintroducing regular sleep and meal schedules at home makes the adjustment to school easier,” says Brooke Zeitz, director of the Etta Natalie Rosenblatt at Temple Sholom Preschool in Broomall.  After summers of snacking all day, staying up later and sleeping late, it helps to start a week before school starts with breakfast and lunch at regular times, and getting back to a sleep schedule that works for school.      

Earlier to Bed

The day before the first day of school isn’t the right time to send your kids to bed early. They’re probably excited — and may be nervous. Getting a good night’s sleep will help them get off on the right foot. If they’ve been going to bed later than usual this summer, spend the week before school getting them to bed five to 10 minutes earlier each day so by the time it’s the night before school, they’ll be back to their usual schedule.

Anticipate Anxiety

Going back to school can be stressful for children. 

“Talking about what to expect will help. Read a related book or use pretend play with their favorite toys to start the conversation and ask about their feelings or worries. My favorite book for easing this type of anxiety is ‘The Night Before Preschool/Kindergarten/First Grade’ by Natasha Wing,” Zeitz said.

Consider other appropriate titles such as The Kissing Hand, Daniel Goes to School, and Llama Llama Misses Mama, which are perfect for preschoolers.

Plan Healthy Meals

Making sure kids have a healthy breakfast instead of sugary grab-and-go food before running out the door means keeping healthy, ready to go options available. Stock the refrigerator with boiled eggs, yogurt, and fruit, and the pantry with whole grains like oatmeal and granola. To make healthy school lunches easy, follow these tips.

Making These Back-to-School Strategies Work for Your Family

With a little planning, these back-to-school strategies can turn a stressful transition into a smooth one. Start early, stay organized, and keep communication open with your kids. Small steps now mean a calmer, more confident start to the school year.

Photograph by LightFieldStudios for iStock. Updated by Eleanor Linafel.