As summer winds down, many parents are wondering how to help their kids get ready for a new school year. From reconnecting with friends to resetting routines, here are some proven tips to ease the back-to-school transition.
Help Your Child Feel Comfortable in a New School
If your child is starting school for the first time or is new to the area, help them connect with other kids early. You can reach out to the school, a local community center, or a faith-based organization to find peer groups in their age range.
Hosting or attending a back-to-school party is a great way to help your child meet new friends and feel excited about the year ahead.
Take advantage of open houses and back-to-school nights. These events let your child explore the building, see their classroom, and meet other students in a low-pressure setting.
If possible, be there when your child meets their new teacher. A familiar face can make those first introductions feel much more reassuring.
Ease Back-to-School Anxiety With a Simple Routine
One of the best ways to ease your child’s back-to-school anxiety is by reintroducing a daily routine before the first day arrives. Starting about two weeks early, begin shifting your child’s sleep and wake times to match the school schedule. Set an alarm each morning and gradually move it earlier until it aligns with the school-day wake-up time.
Walk through what mornings will look like. Practice getting dressed, making breakfast, packing lunches, and choosing clothes for the day. For younger kids, picking out outfits together for the whole week can reduce stress and help them feel more prepared. Talking openly about what to expect at school and asking how your child feels can make a big difference. Try these tips for communicating with your child to keep the conversation going.
You can also do a trial run of the morning commute. Drive or walk to the bus stop or school at the time you’ll normally leave, and factor in any extra traffic that might come with the first week of school.
Encourage Light Learning Without the Pressure
Summer is a great time to relax, but it can also include light learning to help kids ease back into the school mindset. Most teachers begin the year by reviewing last year’s material, so a little review at home can help boost confidence.
Avoid intense drills or high-pressure study sessions, which may increase anxiety by reminding kids of what they’ve forgotten. Instead, keep it simple. Encourage reading, play educational games, or talk about topics they enjoyed in school last year.
Stay Organized and Embrace the Transition
As the school year approaches, keep an eye out for informational packets from your child’s school. These often include the school calendar, bus routes, emergency contact forms, and important deadlines. Take time to review everything, fill out forms promptly, and mark key dates on your family calendar.
If any forms are due on the first day, place them directly in your child’s backpack and explain what to do with them. For younger children, it may be best to hand-deliver the paperwork to the teacher or front office.
This time of year can feel overwhelming, but it’s okay to take a deep breath and trust the process. After so much time spent learning from home, many children are ready and excited to return to the classroom. Try to embrace the change with confidence and calm. It helps set the tone for your child, too.
Support for the School Year Ahead
Every child adjusts differently to the back-to-school routine, and every parent can use a little extra support along the way. Whether you’re looking for guidance on managing stress, promoting healthy habits, or understanding different parenting styles, Wellspring offers a range of programs and resources to help. Explore our school-based services, family support programs, and educational workshops designed to make this school year a healthy and successful one for everyone.
If you’re parenting older kids or teens, you may also find our article on how to navigate consequences and build trust with teens helpful as the school year gets underway.