Back to School Tips: Preparing Your Child for a New School Year

The back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and anxiety—for children and parents alike. After the relaxed rhythms of summer, returning to early wake-ups, homework, and packed schedules can feel jarring. But with some thoughtful preparation, you can help your child transition smoothly and start the year with confidence.

Whether your child is entering a new grade, a new school, or facing typical back-to-school jitters, these strategies will help your family navigate the transition successfully.

Start the Transition Early AAP

Don't wait until the night before school starts to shift gears. Begin adjusting at least 1-2 weeks ahead.

Sleep schedule adjustments:

• Gradually move bedtime and wake time earlier
• Shift by 15-30 minutes every few days
• Aim to reach school-year sleep schedule before the first day
• Ensure they're getting adequate sleep (9-12 hours for ages 6-12)

Routine practice:

• Start morning routines before school begins
• Practice getting dressed, eating breakfast, and being ready to go
• Time the routine so you know how long it actually takes
• Identify bottlenecks and problem-solve in advance

Reduce screen time gradually:

• Summer often means more screen time
• Start scaling back before school begins
• Transition to school-year screen time limits
• Replace screens with reading or quiet activities before bed

Address Anxiety Proactively AAP

Back-to-school anxiety is extremely common and usually manageable with the right approach.

Normalize the feelings:

• "It's normal to feel nervous about something new"
• Share your own memories of back-to-school feelings
• Acknowledge that change is hard, even when it's exciting
• Don't dismiss concerns, but don't over-amplify them either

Talk about what to expect:

• Walk through a typical school day
• Discuss what lunch/recess/specials will look like
• Review the school layout if possible
• Talk about who will drop off and pick up

Problem-solve specific worries:

• Ask what they're most nervous about
• Brainstorm solutions together
• Role-play difficult scenarios (where to sit at lunch, what to do if they get lost)
• Focus on what they CAN control

When anxiety is significant:

• Consistent physical symptoms (stomachaches, headaches)
• Sleep disruption
• Refusing to discuss school at all
• Previous anxiety or school avoidance history
• Consider talking to your pediatrician

Prepare Practically AAP

Logistical preparation reduces day-of stress for everyone.

School supplies:

• Check the school supply list early
• Involve your child in shopping (within limits)
• Label everything with their name
• Organize supplies at home before the first day

Clothes and backpack:

• Try on clothes to ensure they fit
• Have your child choose first-day outfit in advance
• Check that backpack fits properly and is in good condition
• Practice opening any tricky containers or water bottles

Paperwork and forms:

• Complete registration and forms well ahead
• Update emergency contacts
• Submit health forms, medication authorizations as needed
• Communicate any special needs to the school

Know the logistics:

• Bus stop location and time (or drop-off procedure)
• Pick-up procedures and authorized people
• After-school arrangements
• What to do if plans change

Meet the Teacher and See the School AAP

Familiarity reduces anxiety significantly.

Attend open house or orientation:

• Most schools offer these—take advantage
• Let your child see their classroom
• Meet the teacher face to face
• Walk the route from classroom to bathroom, cafeteria, etc.

If formal events aren't available:

• Contact the school about visiting before the first day
• Drive or walk the route to school
• Explore the playground if it's accessible
• Look up information and photos on the school website

Talk about the teacher:

• Share positive expectations about the teacher
• Review any information provided about them
• Don't make promises about the teacher you can't keep
• Encourage them to give the teacher a fair chance

First Day Strategies AAP

When the big day arrives, keep things as smooth as possible.

Morning of:

• Wake up with plenty of time (no rushing)
• Serve a healthy, familiar breakfast
• Keep your own anxiety in check (they can sense it)
• Be positive and matter-of-fact

At drop-off:

• Keep goodbyes brief and confident
• Don't linger if your child seems upset
• Trust the teachers to help with the transition
• Avoid saying "I'll miss you so much" (adds pressure)
• Say something like "Have a great day! See you at 3!"

If your child is very upset:

• Still keep the goodbye short
• Hand off to a teacher or staff member
• Most children calm down within minutes of parents leaving
• Call the school later to check in if you're worried

After School: The Debrief AAP

How you reconnect after school matters for ongoing adjustment.

Give them time:

• Many children are exhausted after school
• Let them decompress before asking questions
• Offer a snack and some downtime
• Save detailed questions for later

Ask better questions:

• Instead of "How was school?" (often gets "fine")
• Try: "What was the best part of your day?"
• "Did anything surprise you today?"
• "Who did you sit with at lunch?"
• "What was the funniest thing that happened?"

Listen without fixing:

• Let them share the good and the bad
• Resist jumping in to solve problems immediately
• Validate feelings first
• Ask "Do you want help with that, or just to vent?"

Watch for patterns:

• One bad day is normal
• Ongoing distress over weeks may need attention
• Note if specific situations are consistently difficult
• Check in with teachers if concerns persist

Establish School-Year Routines AAP

Routines provide security and reduce daily decision fatigue.

Morning routines:

• Create a visual checklist if helpful
• Wake up → dress → eat → brush teeth → gather belongings → leave
• Same order every day
• Prepare as much as possible the night before

After-school routines:

• Snack → downtime → homework → activities → dinner → evening time
• Find what works for your child (some need breaks before homework, others do better diving in)
• Build in physical activity
• Protect family dinner time

Evening routines:

• Pack backpack and lay out clothes before bed
• Check homework folder together
• Predictable bedtime routine
• Same bedtime on school nights

Homework and Academic Expectations AAP

Set the stage for academic success from the start.

Create a homework space:

• Quiet area with good lighting
• Supplies readily available
• Minimal distractions
• Consistent location

Establish expectations early:

• Review homework policies with your child
• Decide together on homework time
• Balance involvement—help but don't do it for them
• Communicate with teachers about struggles

Don't overreact to early struggles:

• First weeks are adjustment for everyone
• Academic challenges don't mean something is wrong
• Give teachers time to identify issues
• Focus on effort and growth, not perfection

Social Preparation AAP

Friendships and social dynamics can be the biggest source of back-to-school stress.

Before school starts:

• Arrange playdates with classmates if possible
• Discuss friendship strategies
• Talk about being kind and including others
• Review how to handle exclusion or mean behavior

Ongoing support:

• Ask about social interactions
• Coach through conflicts without taking over
• Encourage trying new friendships
• Help them understand that friendships change over time

If bullying is a concern:

• Know your school's policies
• Document specific incidents
• Teach your child when and how to tell an adult
• Communicate with teachers/administration if needed

Special Situations AAP

Some transitions require extra attention.

New school:

• Visit multiple times before school starts if possible
• Arrange to meet at least one other student beforehand
• Request a buddy for the first day
• Stay in closer contact with teachers early on

New grade level (middle school transition):

• Multiple teachers and classes are a big adjustment
• Organization skills become more important
• Social dynamics shift significantly
• More independence expected—practice during summer

After difficult events:

• Divorce, death, or other family changes affect school transition
• Inform school counselor and teachers (need-to-know basis)
• Expect some regression or difficulty
• Consider extra support services

Health and Wellness AAP

A healthy child is more ready to learn.

Sleep:

• The foundation of everything
• 9-12 hours for ages 6-12
• Consistent schedule, even on weekends
• No screens before bed

Nutrition:

• Breakfast matters for focus and learning
• Pack balanced lunches
• Limit sugar and processed foods
• Stay hydrated

Physical activity:

• Essential for focus and mood
• At least 60 minutes daily
• Recess counts, but add more if possible
• Movement helps with academic performance

Check-ups:

• Schedule annual well-child visit
• Update immunizations as needed
• Address vision or hearing concerns
• Manage chronic conditions with school nurse

The Bottom Line

Back to school is a transition that takes time—for you and your child. The first few weeks may be bumpy as everyone adjusts to new schedules, expectations, and routines. That's completely normal. AAP

Remember:

• Start preparation 1-2 weeks early
• Normalize anxiety while teaching coping skills
• Keep drop-offs brief and confident
• Establish consistent routines
• Give adjustment time—it usually takes 4-6 weeks

Focus on:

• Connection over perfection
• Listening more than problem-solving
• Partnering with teachers
• Celebrating small wins
• Trusting your child's resilience

Clara is here when you need help navigating back-to-school challenges or have questions about your child's adjustment.