Back to School Preparation: A Parent's Guide to a Stress-Free Start
Updated by Amir Elaguizy
Yep, it's that time of the year again. Back to school. This can be an exciting time, but it can also be a scary time, and we can experience a lot of emotions. We have to find our way around the school, get used to new classes, and meet new people. Sometimes we wish we could stay in summer, where we get to sleep in, hang out with friends, and just have no worries.
With the new school year coming around, your child might feel like this is their fresh start. This is their year to achieve all of their academic endeavors and beyond. Maybe they're in high school or university, maybe they're a senior, or it's their first year. Nonetheless, starting a new year can be super exciting and they want to be well prepared.
Whether your child is just beginning kindergarten or starting a new grade as a returning student, there's lots to be done to prepare for the year ahead, including checking in about their fears, anxieties, and concerns. As summer winds down, it's natural for kids to experience nervousness — after all, your child is entering a structured group setting after months away. Some children will accept the change with joy, while others may need a bit more hand-holding to acclimate.
Getting Organized: The Foundation of Back to School Success
Creating a School Supply Command Center
First day, and paper's already coming home crumpled. I've found a great hack: try cutting the top of a lightweight vertical accordion folder, label it, and place it inside the backpack so your kid can just drop their papers right in. If you're dealing with papers everywhere, here's another trick: cut folders with pockets in half, add labels, and secure them to the wall for a quick and colorful command center that will help keep your family organized.
I also recommend saving time with supplies that are hacks in themselves, like a roll-on adhesive that's less messy and way more fun than glue. Use covers that stretch to quickly protect books against dirty hands. And once your kids try a battery-operated pencil sharpener, there is no going back.
Getting organized is crucial. You know that feeling when you can't find something you need, then you're late or just don't have it when someone asks for it? Trust me, having an organized backpack, binder, and planner will save you from unnecessary stress throughout the year. Create a system that works for you, whether it's color-coding your subjects or using sticky notes to mark important pages in your textbooks. When your materials are organized, it's easier to find what you need when you need it and stay on top of your assignments and projects. So let's keep track of our assignments, due dates, and upcoming exams. Organization is your secret weapon.
For those who love stationery and want to stay consistently organized, consider The Intention Box: Stationery & Pen Subscription by Cloth & Paper (link below). It's a great way to regularly refresh your organizational tools and keep your study space inspiring.
When choosing a backpack, look for one with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Organize your child's backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. Remember, the backpack should never weigh more than 10% to 20% of your child's body weight.
Developing a Family Calendar System
Back to school means back to a schedule. I like to use dry-erase markers on an analog clock to stay on track with a color-blocked routine. When it comes to school supplies, you don't really need all those extra fancy things people buy. Here's what I recommend:
1. A good planner
2. Quality stationery (nothing worse than a bad pen that refuses to write properly)
3. A good laptop (doesn't have to be a MacBook, just something reliable and light)
4. A good pair of headphones or earbuds
5. Journal, binders, and paper (I prefer binders with separate papers over spiral notebooks)
Life can be chaotic during the school year with all those online class meetings, sports practices, and rehearsals. Create a message center so everyone in the family can keep track of schedules and appointments. When the kids' school schedule comes out, add it to the master calendar and plan around it by hiring babysitters, and scheduling important appointments like doctors, dentists, and haircuts.
Emotional Preparation: Addressing Back to School Jitters
Open Communication with Your Child
Our teachers say to start with patience, and I think that's important. We need to be patient because it's going to be an adjustment. To best support our kids' mental health and prepare them for returning to in-person learning, we shouldn't be afraid to ask for help. None of us can serve a child if we don't know what they need, even at home, to reinforce what we're teaching them. Remember, we're all there to support their goals. We're all on the same team.
When discussing back-to-school, I suggest gauging your child's thoughts about the classroom. Ask them what they are looking forward to and what they are interested in learning, along with any concerns they might have. Stories with characters your child can relate to — especially those with characters attending their first day of kindergarten — are useful for relieving first-day jitters and providing a boost of confidence where needed. Point out the positive aspects of school starting to help your kids look forward to the first day of class. Talk about how they will see old friends and meet new ones, for example.
Gradual Routine Adjustments
I would say about two weeks before your child starts back to school, get them back on the school schedule. Set bedtime, set get-up time, get dressed. Summer is over, and we are back at it, which means it's time to gradually transition back into your school routine. A great place to start is setting a consistent bedtime and waking up earlier each day. Have a routine for sundown and sun-up times. Whether you journal, read, exercise, meditate, whatever it is, make it a habit.
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it's true! So fuel up with a healthy meal to keep you energized throughout the morning. Know what you have to do and when. Set specific times to study or practice that tuba. The bottom line? Setting a solid routine helps reduce stress and create positive daily routines.
Help your child adjust to earlier bedtimes a week or two before the new school year starts, just to help them ease into new routines. Create a bedtime routine that is consistent to help your child settle down and fall asleep. For example, a calming pre-bedtime routine may involve a bath/shower, reading with them, tucking them in and saying goodnight. Have your child turn off electronic devices well before bedtime. Try to have the home as quiet and calm as possible when younger children are trying to fall asleep.
Academic Readiness: Setting the Stage for Learning
Creating a Productive Study Environment
Here are some of my favorite hacks for creating a productive study environment: Mobilize homework supplies by placing them in an inexpensive shower caddy with a handle for easy grab-and-go. Spray paint an old metal baking sheet, add inspirational stickers and magnets, and somehow, math is way more interesting on this posh portable study tray. No locker yet? Hang a metal strip at home so you can use those same tricks for a clean desktop.
Prepare for distance learning and homework by creating a comfortable environment where your student can focus on the tasks at hand. Create a space they can do their work with little to no distractions. Start creating an environment that is homework-friendly at a young age. Children need a consistent workspace in their bedroom or another part of the home that is quiet, without distractions, and promotes study.
Schedule ample time for homework. Build this time into choices about participating in after-school activities. Establish a household rule that the TV and other electronic distractions stay off during homework time. Supervise computer and internet use.
Reviewing and Refreshing Skills
I don't like the term "learning loss" – I prefer to call it a "learning pause." Sure, maybe the kids didn't get 20 problems on acute angles in geometry, but I'd like to focus on the things that they did learn. They learned to manage their time and all that technology. I think those are all huge life skills that we can focus on.
To keep your child's mind active and engaged before school starts, consider trying the DIY Kids STEM & Crafts Kit (available below). It's an award-winning science and art box that can help maintain your child's curiosity and learning momentum during the transition back to school.
Setting goals is one way to set yourself up for success in the new school year. These goals can be anything you want to achieve, like improving your grades, joining that club, or learning to play a musical instrument. By setting goals, you give yourself something to work towards and a sense of direction. So grab a piece of paper, write down your goals, and make a plan on how to achieve them. Ask yourself, what are the small steps you can take to reach that big goal? What obstacles may get in the way? What will I do about it? And who can help me get there? Don't forget to reward yourself along the way for the small achievements.
For older students interested in science and engineering, the MEL Physics Science Experiments Subscription Box (link below) can be a great way to keep engaged with STEM concepts through hands-on experiments at home.
Set up a book nook at home over the summer to develop a reading routine by fall. This way, you and your child (or just your child, if they're already reading independently) will have a place to read when they get home from school. Gauge your child's interests at the end of summer to see how their curiosity has evolved and what's new. Ask them what topic they really want to learn about in the school year ahead.
For parents of kindergarteners, consider recommending the Kindergarten Crate Subscription (link below) to your child's teacher. This resource provides engaging classroom materials that can enhance your child's learning experience.
Health and Wellness: Prioritizing Physical and Mental Well-being
Establishing Healthy Habits
Here's a quick tip: Pack emergency after-school snacks in an inexpensive hard pencil case that can be stored anywhere. Now, let's talk about taking breaks. All this talk about school, activities, getting involved, routines, setting goals, it's gotten me exhausted. I need a break. And you will too.
School is important, of course, but so is taking care of yourself. Make sure to take breaks, get plenty of restful sleep, and engage in activities that recharge your batteries. Take these breaks. Pursue hobbies you enjoy. Remember, a happy and healthy mind leads to successful learning. So find what brings you joy and make it a priority too. You deserve it.
To encourage outdoor activities and maintain a connection with nature even as school routines resume, check out Think Outside Boxes (available below). These outdoor-focused subscription boxes can help balance academic preparation with physical and mental well-being.
It's important to note that children who eat a nutritious breakfast function better. They do better in school, have better concentration, and more energy.
Managing Stress and Anxiety
We don't have to be so overwhelmed with emotions and sit around feeling scared or worried. I have five things we can do to get back into the swing of things and make this a great year:
1. Get involved. It's easy to feel intimidated when you're surrounded by new faces, but don't let that scare you away from making friends and joining clubs or sports teams.
2. Expand your horizons. It's the only way we can learn about ourselves and others, and it helps us know that we are capable of really great things.
3. Participate in class discussions, raise your hand, and speak up.
4. Before the new school year begins, familiarize your child with the general layout of the school to help them feel more comfortable on their first day. Even if your child is returning to the same school, they may benefit from reorienting themselves with the building from the perspective of their new classroom.
5. Teach your child to be comfortable with when and how to ask a trusted adult for help. Ask them to identify who they can ask for help.
Conclusion
Remember, going back to school is all about embracing new opportunities, learning, and having fun along the way. So help your child get excited, dive in with enthusiasm, and let this be their best year yet.
Look around. Everyone is in the same boat as your child. Encourage them to smile, be friendly, and strike up conversations with their classmates. They never know who they can become friends with. As your child embarks on this new school year, help them get organized, get involved, set goals, set their routine, and take breaks.
Inspired by the teachers we talked to, the message is simple: be patient, be prepared (especially with sleep schedules), and be proactive, communicating early if you see any problems creep up.
Inspired by the teachers we talked to, the message is simple: be patient, be prepared (especially with sleep schedules), and be proactive, communicating early if you see any problems creep up. And speaking of teachers, consider showing your appreciation with a Teacher Care Crate (link below) – a thoughtful way to support those who guide our children's education.
Happy back to school!
While the structure of fall may not be your comfort zone, I promise doing all of the above steps to prepare for it will leave you feeling so good. And, once it's all done, you can go back to enjoying the rest of this beautiful summer, knowing that you're ready for whatever fall may throw at you.
Shipping: We are shipping on schedule! Free Shipping for US orders! Your order is shipped from our facilities between 1-4 days of being placed, and you will be notified with details. Subsequent boxes ship monthly from your first order. Shipping: *Last date to order for 12/25 delivery is 12/15.* Subscription renewal payments process on the 25th of the month. Automatically renews monthly; subscription ends after one year. Can be cancelled anytime before the next renewal date. Shipping: *Last date to order for 12/25 delivery is 12/15.* Subscription renewal payments process on the 25th of the month. Automatically renews monthly; subscription ends after one year. Can be cancelled anytime before the next renewal date. Shipping: Your welcome box will ship on Friday! Shipping: Your welcome box will ship this Friday! Shipping: Your first package will arrive within 2 weeks of registration. Subsequent monthly packages will be delivered within 2 weeks of each monthly charge. Shipping: Your box will ship on the 15th of every month. Please order by the 14th to get the current box. If you order past the 14th, you will receive your first box the following month. We offer FREE shipping within the United States. Shipping: Your box will ship near the end of each month so you can use it with your class the following month. Please order by July 15th to get the Back-to-School box.
DIY Kids STEM & Crafts Kit – Award Winning Kids Science and Art Box
Customer Review
Think Outside Boxes (7 - 16+)
Customer Review
Think Outside Boxes Jr (4 - 7)
Bookroo's Baby & Preschool Book Club
Customer Review
Bookroo's Tween Book Club
Customer Review
MEL Physics — Science Experiments Subscription Box for Kids DIY Engineering Kit Learning & Education Toys for Boys and Girls STEM Projects Ages 8+
Teacher Care Crate
Kindergarten Crate Subscription
Customer Review
