Back-to-School Reset: Organizing for a Smooth Transition
Just as the shift from school to summer requires a transition, so does going back to school. Building new (or returning to old) routines, rebuilding habits, and getting used to the changing seasons are all a part of getting back to school. It’s a whole family affair, and getting organized is an important part of a seamless transition. Here are some tips to get back to school without getting back to stress.
Organizing Backpacks for Back to School
Backpacks are obvious containers for homework and textbooks, but they’re also useful for keeping your kids organized and prepared for their hours away from home. Every back-to-school shopping list will contain the necessary supplies, like pencils, glue sticks, and a water bottle, but you can also store things that might not be on the traditional list, like band aids, hand sanitizer, and tissues. Choosing a backpack that’s sturdy, has a variety of pockets, and is big enough to fit your student’s current workload is important in helping them stay organized.
Backpacks can help fuel back-to-school excitement, too, as they can be tailored to your student’s interests. If they play sports, you may need enough space for equipment and extra clothes (or a second sports bag); art supplies can be organized in their own container to be carried in the bag. And no matter the age or grade, an agenda is also a must-have for helping your child organize their schedule and keep track of events, homework, and anything going on at home. Helping your kids to create a habit of keeping themselves organized will make it easier for them as they get older and have more to keep track of.
Back-to-School Routines for the Night Before
Preparing for the school day doesn’t just start the morning of but includes the night before as well. You and your children can develop routines for the evening before a school day that will help you all stay organized and feel prepared for the school day (and save you time and stress in the morning!). Choosing outfits, packing lunch boxes, and double-checking homework the night before can save you time and energy in the morning and prevent last minute emergencies. Backpacks can even be left by the door so they’re ready to go when you are. You can also be prepared for what you know is coming the next day. If your kid has an exam the next day, you can pack them a protein-packed meal and a sweet treat to celebrate. If it’s picture day, you can make sure the outfit they set out is photogenic. And as the weather gets cooler, checking the temperature for the next day can help you prepare outfits as well.
Back-to-School Morning Routines
While the evening provides a proper set up for the next day, the morning routine helps you and your kids start out with less stress, so you feel more in control. Getting a routine for the morning lets your kids know what to expect before school and develops a mindset for school. Again, morning routines can be tailored to your family’s needs. If your kids take the bus, there’ll be a certain time they need to be out the door; if they want to shower or put on makeup in the morning, they’ll need extra time for that (especially if there are several people sharing the bathroom space). Taking account of what your family needs can help you prepare a morning routine that works for everyone. This can especially be useful for neurodivergent kids, who may need more time in the morning to adjust to switching tasks and getting ready for the new day. Once you’ve got a sense of everything that needs to be accomplished in the morning, you know when you and your kids should be up by and when everyone should be headed out the door. Communicating with your kids and having their help in building the routine can make it easier for them to follow it and adjust to the switch after the summer. If you know you tend to run a little late, build in some extra time to allow for delays.
Getting ready for the school year is both an exciting and chaotic time for the whole family. Having back-to-school routines prepared and plans in place for getting everyone adjusted to the new school year can assist everyone in adjusting to the change. Sending your kids off to school feeling confident and organized will set them up for success and leave you more time to focus on enjoying the new year.