Getting Ready for the New School Year: Tips for Families

Summer is winding down and in northeast Ohio most children are returning to school in the next few weeks. As summer winds down, families often feel a mix of excitement and stress. Transitioning from relaxed days to school routines can be tricky for everyone. With the right support, though, the back-to-school shift can feel smoother and, hopefully, even enjoyable.

Here are some helpful tips to get kids and teens ready for the school year with confidence and ease.

1. Reset Sleep Schedules Early

One of the biggest challenges during the first week of school is getting enough rest. Start adjusting bedtime and wake-up time at least one to two weeks before school begins. Move bedtime earlier by 15 minutes every few days until your child is on a school-friendly schedule. A consistent routine helps kids wake up easier and feel more alert during the day. Try to keep the sleep schedule consistent (within an hour is best) on the weekends during the school year. 

Panicking because it’s too late to move bedtime by 15 minutes each day? That’s okay! Try an hour each day to get it back closer to the school schedule.

2. Talk About What to Expect

Children often feel better when they know what is coming. Spend time talking about what the school day will look like. Discuss things like:

• Morning routines

• What they’ll need to bring

• New teachers

• Any changes from last year

• After-school plans

For teens, you might also talk about their class schedule and lockers. Tip: if it’s your child’s first year with a locker and they’re nervous. Practicing with a combination lock at home can help build confidence.

3. Practice School Skills at Home

To ease the academic transition, invite your child to do light learning activities in the weeks leading up to school. This might include reading together, writing a few sentences about their summer, or reviewing math facts. Teens can organize their materials, clean out their backpacks, and check that their devices are charged and working.

4. Rebuild Social Connections

Some children worry about friendships after a long break. Encourage low-key playdates, meet-ups at the park, or even quick video chats to reconnect. For teens, suggest group activities like going to the mall, seeing a movie, or walking around the neighborhood with a friend. Feeling socially connected makes the first day back much easier.

5. Involve Kids in the Planning

Give children a sense of ownership over the transition by involving them in back-to-school prep. Let them help pick out school supplies, pack their backpack, or choose their first-day outfit. Teens may enjoy customizing their planners, planning their first week of outfits, setting academic goals, or planning how to organize their workspace.

6. Acknowledge Big Feelings

It’s normal for kids to feel nervous, excited, or even frustrated about going back to school. Let your child know that all emotions are okay and that you’re there to listen and help find healthy ways to express them. Kids and teens will often shut down or tell you everything is fine if you try to have a big discussion about school. Modeling and asking about highs and lows after school (car rides and walks are especially good for this) tends to invite more open discussion vs asking how the day was or how they feel. 

7. Revisit Healthy Habits

If schedules got off track in the summer start bringing back regular meals, snacks, and screen time limits. Make sure your child is eating balanced meals, drinking water, and getting movement throughout the day. Healthy habits support focus, mood, and energy once school begins.

Final Thoughts

The back-to-school season can heighten anxiety but it can also be a time of growth, change, and fresh starts. With a bit of preparation and a lot of encouragement, your child can head into the new year ready to learn, connect, and thrive. If you have concerns about your child’s adjustment or emotional readiness, you’re not alone. Support from a mental health professional can make a big difference. If you would like more help or guidance feel free to call me at (216) 245-2421 for a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if I’d be a good fit. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and if I’m not the best fit I’m happy to point you in the right direction!