Back to school tips for kids and parents

As summer comes to an end and back-to-school season begins, it can be hard to get back into the rhythm of a regular schedule — for both kids and adults. The trick, of course, is to plan ahead. Start preparing everyone a few weeks early, and make sure you have a solid child care plan in place. If you’re hiring a babysitter, nanny or tutor this year, bring them on a little early to help get your child on track before the first day of school. 

To help you with the back-to-school transition, here are some tips you can use to ease kids back into school life while also managing your own stress. Read through the list and identify the strategies you think could help you and your family stay organized and on top of things. Then, test out different approaches as a family so you can figure out which ones work for you and which ones don't.

Prepare mentally

1. Set your kids' sleep schedules back to "school time" two weeks before the first day of school.
2. Use an egg timer to get your kids used to focusing for specific periods of time.
3. Discuss what your kids can expect on the first day of school so they feel more prepared.
4. Talk openly with your kids about their feelings about returning to school and be ready to answer any questions.
Put time and schedule management plans in place
5. Let kids choose a planner or scheduling tool they're excited to use.
6. Help your kids put together a rough outline of their school and activity schedules.
7. Create a family calendar that tracks everyone's activities and commitments.
8. Set up weekly meetings to review your kids' schedules for the week(s) ahead.
Make arrangements for before- and after-school hours
9. Get your kids involved in programs they can do after school to keep them active.
10. Refresh your rules about screen time for the school year. What's allowed and when?
11. Work out an after-school schedule that allows time for snack, relaxation, play and study.
12. Make a list of fun after-school activities and games to keep your kids entertained.
Organize your entire home for the busy season
13. Add some kid-friendly organization solutions, like low hooks for kids’ coats and shoe baskets or cubbies to your entryway.
14. Establish rules for where kids should put lunchboxes, etc. when they come home.
15. Create an “inbox” for kids to leave things that need your attention, like permission slips.
16. Use sticky notes to flag important items that kids should pay attention to.
17. Keep a single, easy-access file for vaccination records and other important papers. Do everything you can the night before
18. Encourage your kids to lay out their school clothes before going to bed.
19. Have kids pack their school bags.
Set the stage for a good night’s sleep
20. Set an alarm or notification 30 minutes before bedtime.
21. Establish regular bedtime routines, using these printable checklists for preschoolers and elementary school kids. 
22. Set — and enforce — regular weekday and weekend bedtimes.
23. Remove tech devices, such as phones and tablets, from kids' bedrooms to focus them on sleeping. Plan for smooth mornings
25. Set your clocks forward 10 minutes. This makes it easier to be on time.
26. Make sure your kids (and you!) have an effective wakeup alarm that works for them.
27. Use this printable checklist to establish a regular morning routine..
Devise a plan for homework
28. To help with time management, determine together how long it takes kids to do assignments
29. Teach kids to prioritize their assignments by making to-do lists with deadlines.
30. Establish a specific space like the family office as an official "homework station."
31. Remove distractions like TVs and video game consoles from homework areas.
32. Set a regular alarm each day that signals the start of homework time. Stay connected with teachers 
33. Figure out ways to be involved in the classroom  this school year.
Set goals for the school year
34. Have your kids set realistic goals for the new school year, such as reading 30 books or filling a journal.
35. Work out a to-do list of age-appropriate chores  for each child and help them set weekly goals for completing them (without being asked).
36. Create a rewards system for when kids meet goals or do extra things around the house. Take care yourself
37. Schedule at least one 30-minute block in your calendar each day for self-care.
38. Do something fun to diffuse this stressful time of year for all of you.
39. Take a breath. You are doing this. 

With a good bit of planning — and with you as their calm and collected guide — your kids will be better able to approach the school year feeling prepared, excited and ready to get to work.