10 Tips to Prepare for Back to School

Routines can help kids learn independence and time management while improving emotional security and behavior. Implementing a routine for back-to-school will set both the kids and parents up for a successful transition from summertime fun. Here are 10 steps you can use as part of your back-to-school prep:

1. Get Those Annual Physicals

Most schools require a physical for student-athletes, however, even if they don’t it’s a good idea to schedule one if you have a youth athlete. Annual physicals make sure your student-athlete is physically healthy and capable of participating in sports. It’s also good to track the physical growth and health of your child.

2. School Prep

Backpacks, notebooks, pencils- oh my! As a parent, you probably know the drill when it comes to back-to-school shopping. But making sure all those new folders and pens make it into the backpack for the first day is an important step. Walk your kids through packing their bags the night before so that it becomes part of their daily routine.

3. Early Bedtime

Sleep is important for the whole family. Making sure kids start going to bed early enough to get up for school a week in advanced can help make the transition back to early mornings easier, and hopefully allow parents to get to bed earlier too.

4. Meal Prep

Planning lunches for the week will not only help keep your sanity, but it will help with your kids’ routine as well. Take it a step further and let kids be involved with their lunch options to teach them a sense of independence and autonomy. Let them pick a couple of options for their lunch each week so they have something to look forward. Teach them why choosing healthier options will help keep them energized through the day. They will be more likely to stick to decisions if they feel it was a team effort!

5. Pick Out Clothes the Night Before

Picking out clothes ahead of time can save time and energy in the morning. Instead of throwing clothes around in a rush, kids already know what they’re wearing. If you need help convincing them, be sure to tell them picking out their clothes could give them a few extra minutes of sleep.

6. Pack Uniforms and Equipment the Night Before

Much like picking out your clothes, making sure any jerseys and equipment are ready to go the night before can save the headache in the morning. Less finding half washed jerseys in the washing machine and more time to eat breakfast.

7. Pack an Extra Cooler for After School Snacks

Youth athletes need fuel! Packing a balanced lunch can help, but making sure kids have enough food to get them through a whole day and after school activities is important. This goes for any students staying late after school. If they have room for a second lunch box at school with extra waters and snacks like fruit and granola bars, it can help keep your kids fueled until they get home for dinner.

8. Emergency Cash

If you can, include emergency cash in your child’s sports bag for extra food/water during after school sports. Maybe they need some extra waters on a hot day, or a quick snack after practice while they wait to get picked up. This may not make sense for every family, but if it does be sure to communicate that this cash is only for emergencies or extra food/water and talk about the consequences if it’s used for anything else.

9. Encouragement

This one is often forgotten in the chaos of getting kids to school and parents to work but remember that starting a new grade or a new school can be scary for kids! Provide motivation and encouragement for them to calm their nerves and help the transition go smoothly for everyone. Remind the kids you are there to support them and help them succeed!

10. Expectations

Sitting down prior to the first day of school to go over the expectations for the year can help guide your kids and motivate them as they get back into the academic mindset. Talk about what you expect from them academically and ask what they want to accomplish this year. Help them set small goals to strive for throughout the year, so they have something to look forward to and something to work towards.

These ten things can help make your back-to-school transition easier. But remember, not every day will be the same and that’s ok. You may occasionally fall out of your routine or still have disagreements with your kids, but maintaining an ideal routine will help you feel more in control.