Back-to-School Prep: What to start doing NOW

As the end of summer approaches, many parents are counting down the days until school starts, looking forward to more structure and maybe even a little breathing room. But if you're parenting a child who struggles with transitions or big emotions, this time of year can also feel like walking a tightrope.

The back-to-school transition can be especially tricky for sensitive kids, so easing them in gradually is key. In the two weeks before school begins, you have a valuable window to set your child up for a smoother, more confident return.

Here’s a checklist of what to do two weeks before school starts to help your child feel ready mentally, emotionally, and physically.

1. Shift Bedtime and Wake-Up Schedules Gradually

During summer, many kids stay up later and sleep in longer. Instead of making a sudden switch, begin adjusting their sleep routine in 15 to 30 minute increments each day. This gives their internal clock time to reset before the first day of school arrives.

💡 Pro Tip: Start using blackout curtains and reducing evening screen time to make earlier bedtimes easier.

2. Practice the School Morning Routine

Start walking through the morning routine as if school has already started. Have your kids:

• Get dressed right after waking up
  
• Eat breakfast at the same time they would during the school year
  
• Pack pretend lunches or backpacks

For younger children, especially preschoolers or kindergartners, use a visual chart with pictures of each step. Practicing now builds familiarity and reduces stress when school actually begins.

3. Hold a Family Meeting to Plan Routines

For school-age kids, gather as a family to co-create your morning and after-school routines. This not only sets expectations, it gives your kids a sense of ownership.

🔹 Ask: “What do you need in the morning to feel calm and ready for the day?”
🔹 Brainstorm: “What are the jobs that need to get done, and who wants to take the lead?”

Assigning fun titles like “Water Bottle Manager” or “Snack Pack Supervisor” can increase buy-in. Kids love having a role, and the more involved they feel, the more likely they are to cooperate.

4. Create a Morning Checklist Together

Whether it's drawn, written, or printed with stickers, a checklist can help kids stay on track without constant reminders. When kids complete tasks independently, it boosts confidence and promotes self-regulation.

✨ New Idea: Let your child “grade” the family mornings each day:
Did they get ready on time?
Did they remember everything?
Did you stay calm and were you on time?
This kind of gentle self-assessment encourages reflection without criticism, and letting them grade you makes it more fun for them.

5. Preview the School Environment

If your child is starting at a new school or heading into a new grade with different teachers or classrooms, find ways to make it feel familiar:

• Drive by the school and walk around the grounds
  
• Visit the playground
  
• If possible, attend any open houses or classroom sneak peeks

If an in-person visit isn’t available, try looking at pictures of the school online or talking about what they remember from last year.

Reassure them: “Your teachers are there to help, and it’s okay to feel nervous.”

6. Practice Emotional Check-Ins

As the first day approaches, make space for your child to express how they’re feeling. Ask open-ended questions like:

• “What are you feeling excited about?”
  
• “Is there anything you're nervous about?”
  
• “What would help you feel more ready?”
  

Normalize their feelings and let them know it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions.

🌈 New Tip: Consider creating a “back-to-school feelings journal” where your child can draw or write about how they’re feeling each day. You can review it together and talk about what’s coming up for them.

7. Involve Kids in the Back-to-School Prep

Instead of doing everything for them, involve your kids in shopping for supplies, picking out outfits, and preparing lunch ideas. Giving them some control over the process helps reduce anxiety and builds anticipation.

🛒 Bonus Tip: Let them pick one “first day” item they’re excited to use, like a cool notebook or favorite snack.

Final Thoughts: Small Steps Now Lead to Smoother Transitions Later

The back-to-school transition doesn’t have to be stressful for you or your child. By gradually reintroducing routines, giving kids a voice in the process, and providing emotional support, you’re creating a strong foundation for a confident start to the year.

And remember: Preparing them emotionally is just as important as preparing them logistically. You’ve got time, and with just a little bit of planning, you can make this transition smoother, calmer, and even enjoyable for the whole family.

Does thinking about back-to-school season feel like a sudden jolt after a carefree summer?  You’re not alone, and you don’t have to go into it unprepared!  If your kids are sleeping in, snacking all day, or resisting structure, now is the perfect time to ease back into routines (without drama or power struggles) and my Back to School with Less Stress and More Connection email series can help!  It’s packed with easy, practical, and supportive tips to help your family start the school year with more calm and confidence.  Click here to sign up.