The new school year is a significant event in any child’s life, fraught with a mix of excitement and trepidation. As summer ends, here at Care.com, we’re dedicated to helping you prepare for this new chapter. With that in mind, we’ve put together some handy back-to-school tips to ensure your child’s transition is as smooth as possible. Let’s delve into our back-to-school checklist for parents.
1. Start a regular sleep routine
Back-to-school preparation begins at home, with a regular sleep routine. Try to shift your child’s bedtime earlier by around 15 minutes every night, to help them adapt to the early school mornings.
Getting the right amount of sleep is like putting fuel in a car: it powers your child’s day. This is especially true for little ones just starting school for the first time. It can be fun to think of sleep as a magical journey on a night-time train that takes them to the Land of Dreams. Every night, when they close their eyes and start to sleep, the train leaves the station, whisking them away on this wonderful journey.
Creating a pre-sleep routine can signal to your child that it’s time to board the sleep train. Perhaps it involves reading a bedtime story together, cuddling their favourite teddy bear, or a gentle lullaby that soothes them to sleep. Make sure you hop on this train at the same time each evening. This can help your child’s body recognise when it’s time to rest and wake up, ensuring they are bright-eyed and ready for their school day.
Remember, each child is unique. Adjusting to a new sleep schedule may take some time, and that’s okay. Be patient, and provide lots of love and comfort. A peaceful and consistent bedtime routine can help your child sail smoothly into their new school life.
2. Organise school essentials
Getting ready for school can be a fun game, and you and your little one can play it together! Create a list with all the things your child will need for school, like uniforms, pencils and a lunch box. These aren’t just practical — they’re part of the fun of going back to school, too!
Turn shopping into an adventure by bringing your child along and letting them pick out their favourites. Maybe a lunchbox with a picture of a shiny red apple? Or rainbow-coloured pencils? This helps your child feel special and gets them excited about using their new things at school.
If your child is starting school for the first time this year, you can even play “back to school” at home to help them know what to expect. Your child can dress up in their new uniform, fill their school bag with their colourful new pencils, and you could even make a packed lunch together. This not only helps familiarise them with their future routine, it’s also a great opportunity to take cute pictures to remember this special time! Your little one is taking a big step, and they’ll love that you’re excited for them.
3. Plan nutritious meals
Nutrition is key to your child’s success at school, so planning nutritious meals to help keep their energy levels up is an essential part of the back-to-school checklist for parents. Remember to include healthy snacks and plenty of water to keep them hydrated!
Incorporating various foods in your child’s lunchbox can help to keep things interesting. Try creating fun shapes with sandwiches or arranging fruit in a pattern. Be sure to include protein-packed items, like cheese cubes or hummus, for sustained energy. Crunchy veggies paired with a tasty dip can make a great mid-day snack. And don’t forget a little sweet treat — maybe a small piece of dark chocolate or a homemade biscuit.
To make the idea of eating healthy more exciting for your young one, get them involved in meal planning and preparation. For example, you could plan a “Rainbow Week” where each day’s meals feature fruits and vegetables of a specific colour. Monday could be “Red Day” with tomatoes and strawberries; Tuesday, “Orange Day” with carrots, oranges and so on. This teaches your child about different foods and makes mealtime colourful and fun.
4. Establish a study area
A dedicated study area at home can aid focus and make homework less of a chore. Ensure it is quiet, well-lit and free from distractions. This designated area will be perfect for reading, writing and creativity.
Integrating fun and creative elements such as colourful wall decorations or educational posters makes the study area engaging. Don’t forget to add storage bins or shelves so that your child can access books and learning materials easily.
In addition, make this area as comfortable as possible. A child-friendly desk and chair, a cosy reading nook and soft lighting can make the space inviting. Remember, young children learn best when enjoying themselves, so incorporating their interests can make the study area an exciting part of their day. A child’s enthusiasm for their study space can fuel their love for learning, making the back-to-school transition much easier.
5. Open up communication
Talking to your child about their feelings towards school is vital. Allow them to express any worries they might have, and reassure them that it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions about going back to school. Keep the lines of communication open and encourage your child to share their daily experiences once school starts.
One way to open up communication with your little one could be by having a dedicated “talk time” every day. This time can be after school, at dinner or before bedtime. During “talk time”, let your child lead the conversation. They might wish to discuss what they learned at school that day, a new friend they made or even something that made them feel uncomfortable or confused. Pay close attention and respond with empathy, providing reassurance when needed.
If this is your child’s first time attending school, use storybooks or children’s shows to introduce the concept and help your child understand the school’s routine and activities. If your child has an older sibling, engage them in these conversations as well. Having siblings share their positive school experiences school can be a comforting and persuasive influence — and letting them share their own top tips for back-to-school season will make big brothers and sisters feel mature and responsible.
Above all, reassure your child that every emotion they feel is okay and that you’re there to help them navigate this exciting new journey. Remember, it’s important that your child sees school as a fun and interesting place to learn and grow.
6. Familiarise yourself with the school
If possible, visit the school with your child before the first day. Familiarising your child with the school’s layout and introducing them to their new teacher can alleviate anxiety, while understanding the school’s resources and extracurricular activities can foster a sense of belonging for older children.
Remember to introduce them both to their future classroom and to the school’s play areas and outdoor spaces. After all, school isn’t just about learning to read and write — it’s also about the vital physical and social skills that children acquire through playing outside with their new friends.
7. Review safety measures
Ensuring your child understands important safety measures should be a key item on any back-to-school checklist for parents. Begin with basic yet essential rules, such as not wandering off alone and always informing a trusted adult if they feel unsafe or unwell. It’s also important they learn about the school’s emergency procedures, such as where to go in the event of fire — while we hope they’ll never need to use it, understanding how to react in an emergency is a vital skill.
If your child is journeying to school alone or with an older sibling, rehearse the route with them, pointing out safe places to cross roads and reminding them to always wait for green at pedestrian lights. Make it a fun adventure by creating a map together and naming landmarks along the way.
Lastly, always stress the importance of not sharing personal details with strangers, such as their full name, address or school. Reiterate this rule for face-to-face interactions and any digital activities they may partake in. You’re setting your child up for a safe and secure school experience by beginning these conversations now.
Final thought
These back-to-school tips for parents are designed to ease the transition and prepare your child for the year ahead. Going back to school is a big step, but with some planning, you can help make it a positive and exciting experience.
Remember, each family and child is unique, so adapt these back-to-school tips to suit your needs. Most importantly, reassure your child that school is a place for learning, growth and making memories.
This September, Care.com is here to assist parents during the back-to-school period. We offer various services, from finding the perfect after-school sitter to in-home care for those times when you can’t be there. And if you’d like even more tips on how to ease the transition into school, we have 101 of them for you here! Together, let’s make back-to-school time a joyous occasion, filled with anticipation for the opportunities ahead.