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Back-to-school season is quickly approaching. Kids and parents will soon be grappling with the fact that summer is ending.  

Are you feeling prepared and excited or are you panicked and overwhelmed? If you have anxiety about the upcoming school year, don’t fret! Follow these eight tips to make the transition from summer to the first semester a breeze. 

1. Reset your sleep schedule

In the summer, sleep schedules tend to become less stringent. As kids return to school, it’s important to ensure that they’re getting the proper amount of sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), preschoolers need 10 to 13 hours of sleep, elementary-school-aged children need nine to 11 hours of sleep and teenagers require eight to 10 hours of restful sleep. 

The NSF recommends moving bedtimes 10 to 15 minutes earlier each day until you reach the desired sleep schedule. They also say maintaining good habits like regular exercise and eating meals at regular intervals will make it easier to achieve sleep schedule goals. 

2. Start organizing your days

In addition to sleep routines, scheduling your days leading up to the start of the school year and maintaining them can be extremely helpful. According to Harvard University’s Making Caring Common project, schedules with visuals can help kids of all learning styles and abilities understand expectations.  

They recommend creating family schedules on chalkboards or on the refrigerator door. You can cut photos out of a magazine, incorporate magnets or draw fun elements to bring your schedule to life.  

3. Talk through back-to-school worries

Back-to-school anxiety can be a significant issue. Whether it is the unknown of starting at a new school, engaging with classmates or being overwhelmed by homework, there might be a lot on your child’s mind as the school year starts.  

The Child Mind Institute provides helpful resources to guide you through issues related to back-to-school anxiety. Check out their website for tips on signs of anxiety and to learn how parents can help their children with those feelings.  

4. Buy your supplies early

Waiting until the last minute can cost you when shopping for back-to-school supplies. Your child may be upset if they miss out on the coolest folders or if they have to settle on a backpack that doesn’t fit their vibe. Schools or teachers typically provide a list of the supplies that students will need for the year. Getting a jump on these lists can allow you to mark one additional thing off your list ahead of the school year.  

Good Housekeeping provides base supply lists for each grade through college. You may not need everything, or you may need some additional items, but using these lists is a wonderful way to get started and get ahead!  

5. Create dedicated workspaces

Set your student up for success by preparing a dedicated area that is well-suited for studying. The University of California Irvine provides guidance on how to create spaces that will optimize study time. The area should be free from distractions like televisions and smart phones, but if white noise or music helps your student concentrate, incorporate those elements into the space. The article also explains the importance of taking breaks and creating study plans to stay on track.  

The process of starting a new school year can go smoothly. All it takes is a little preparation, and you will be able to confidently send your child into the next grade. So, use this information to get an A+ in your back-to-school planning this year!  

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