14 back-to-school tips for a smooth transition

For both kids and parents, returning to school after a long break can be a mixed bag of excitement and anxiety. To help you navigate this transitional period, we’ve put together some practical back-to-school tips for a smoother start to the new academic year.

1. Re-set routines early

• Many kids and families relax their schedules during summer break, especially for sleep. A week or two before school starts, adjust your child's bedtime and wake-up times incrementally by an hour or less each day. This helps reset their internal body clock and get them used to the school-year sleep schedule. Keeping a consistent bedtime routine helps, too. 

• It’s also beneficial to establish a regular schedule for homework, meals, and downtime.

2. Organize school supplies and clothes

• Get school supplies early and let your kids or teens participate in the process. This gives them a sense of responsibility and can build positive excitement for school. Start with this essential school supplies list by grade.

• Have kids organize their backpacks and supplies, and set out their clothes for the week to help save time and stress in the morning! 

3. Plan healthy lunches and snacks

We all know that good nutrition can affect a child’s cognitive function and learning. Have a menu ready! Before the first day of school, invest the time to plan and prepare nutritious lunches and snacks. Involve your child in the selection and preparation process to make them more interested in what they eat (and help ensure they actually eat it). 

For an extra boost of confidence to kick the year off right, consider slipping an encouraging note into their bag. Lunchbox notes have surprising benefits.  

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4. Label everything

Make sure all your child's belongings, from backpacks to water bottles to uniforms, are clearly labeled with their name. It helps prevent mix-ups and lost items.

5. Set up a homework station

A designated, well-equipped space for homework can help your child focus better and be more productive. Choose a quiet, comfortable, and consistent space free from distractions.

6. Talk about their feelings

Transitioning back to school can trigger all kinds of emotions in kids. Encourage your child to express their feelings and concerns. Assure them that it's normal to feel anxious and remind them they'll see their friends and meet new ones. 

Introduce healthy coping skills early to help kids manage their feelings and interactions. Before school starts, consider placing a few positive affirmations in their bedroom, bathroom, or homework station to start - and finish - the day off right. 

7. Attend back-to-school events

If your child's school has a back-to-school night or orientation, try to attend. It's an opportunity for both you and your child to meet their teachers, see their classrooms, and get familiar with the school. It can go a long way to showing your child how much you care and want to be involved in their academic experience. 

8. Update emergency contacts and health information

Review and update your child's emergency contact information with the school. Also, check if you need to submit any health forms for allergies or other concerns. 

Pro tip: If the school requires official medical forms or doctor’s signatures, request them from your pediatrician’s office well before school starts. While it depends on your location, some schools won’t allow kids to attend until those forms are in, even if classes have already begun.

9. Encourage goal setting

Set academic and personal goals with your child for the upcoming year. This can motivate them and give them a sense of purpose. Discuss how to achieve these goals and offer support along the way.

Pro tip: Have your child write down their goals and keep track of their progress throughout the year. This helps keep them accountable and serves as a motivator to keep going. 

10. Talk about expectations

Discuss what you expect in terms of behavior, academic performance, and responsibilities at home and school. Depending on their age, you could create a behavior chart or chore chart based on positive reinforcement. Knowing what’s expected helps kids understand their role in creating a positive learning environment and set clear boundaries.

Pro tip: Be specific with your expectations and consequences for not meeting them. This can help your child understand the importance of following through on their commitments. 

11. Create a designated study space

Set up a quiet, organized space for your child to do homework and study. This will help them stay focused and minimize distractions.

Pro tip: Keep the study space well-stocked with necessary school supplies to avoid interruptions during study sessions.

12. Encourage breaks

Avoid academic burnout! Encourage your child to take short breaks between study sessions to recharge and refocus.

Give them the option to pursue fun and enriching after-school activities that help them express themselves creatively while also learning life skills.

Pro tip: Set a timer for 25-30. Have them take a short walk, get a snack, or stretch.

13. Prioritize self-care

Remind your child of the importance of taking care of themselves, both physically and mentally. Encourage them to get enough sleep, eat well, stay active, and take breaks when needed.

14. Be positive and supportive

Show enthusiasm for the new school year and remind your child of their strengths, accomplishments, and the beauty of a fresh start.

Going back to school is a big transition for kids, teens, and families! With a little strategic preparation and a positive attitude, you can help make it a smoother, more enjoyable experience. Cheers to a successful and happy new school year.

Want more tips and parenting hacks? Visit the Greenlight Learning Center for more resources on family, finances, and fun.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.