The ultimate guide to preparing your kids to go back to school

Summer break is a time for fun, relaxation, and making memories. As the school year approaches, transitioning back to a routine can be challenging for both kids and parents. Here’s a comprehensive guide with tailored advice for parents of elementary, middle, and high school students to help make the transition smooth and stress-free.

For Parents of Elementary School Students:

#1: Establish a routine early

A few weeks before school starts, consider reintroducing a consistent daily schedule that mimics school-year routines to ease the transition from summer to fall. 

Create a schedule that includes time for meals, play, and reading to help your children get used to structured days. Gradually move bedtime earlier and re-establish morning routines to eliminate some of the common issues families face in the first few weeks of school. 

#2: Create a fun countdown

Another great strategy to signal the end of summer to your kids is planning small, daily activities leading up to the first day of school, such as a picnic, trip to the library, or playdate with classmates.

You can also try using a colorful calendar or a fun countdown app to mark the days until school starts. This can build excitement and help younger children understand the passage of time.

#3: Organize a back-to-school shopping day

Although going back to school can be daunting, many kids enjoy going shopping for school supplies. The activity can build excitement and joy surrounding the change to routine. 

Let your child pick out their school supplies, backpack, and new clothes to help them feel more excited and prepared for the school year. Turn the shopping trip into a fun day out. Include a special treat or bring a beloved family member or friend with you to make it a memorable experience.

#4: Practice school skills

In the weeks leading up to school, incorporate educational games and activities in your child’s routine to reinforce skills like reading, writing, and math. This can be a fun way to brush up on academics without making it feel like homework.

For Parents of Middle School Students:

#1: Discuss goals and expectations

Before school starts, middle schoolers can benefit from a conversation about their goals and expectations for the upcoming school year. This can include academic goals, extracurricular activities, and social aspirations.

Throughout the discussion, make sure they are setting realistic, achievable goals. Discuss the importance of time management and balancing schoolwork with other activities for their mental health.

#2: Organize and prepare supplies

Create a checklist of required school supplies and make sure everything is organized and ready. At early adolescence, encourage your child to take responsibility for organizing their own materials, rather than you being the sole facilitator like you were in elementary school.

If your child will have a locker, practice setting it up at home. This can help them feel more confident and reduce first-day jitters, especially for sixth graders that have never had a locker before.

#3: Encourage independence

Encourage your child to take on more daily responsibilities, such as packing their own lunch, managing their schedule, and completing homework assignments on their own.

At this age, it’s important to teach them time management skills and the importance of creating a daily routine that balances schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and downtime.

#4: Address social concerns

Middle school is a time when social anxiety, cliques, and self-doubt often come into play for kids as they get mature. 

Before school starts, be sure to discuss any social concerns your child may have like making new friends or dealing with bullying. It can be beneficial to start these conversations now, so that when they are going through issues during the school year, they feel comfortable turning to you for advice.

It can also be helpful to encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities that interest them to make friends and feel more connected to their school community.

Related resource:
How to nurture digital well-being for your kids in today’s social media landscape

For Parents of High School Students:

#1: Academic planning

High school is a time when graduation and college preparation are at the forefront of students’ minds whether they’re a freshman or junior. 

Once course selections are published, take the time to go over your child’s classes with them to ensure they align with their academic goals for the year. Make any changes needed with their guidance counselor to ensure they are on the right track. 

It’s also important to encourage good study habits and time management amongst your older children. If needed, help them create a study schedule that allows for regular review and avoids last-minute cramming.

#2: College and career preparation

If applicable, schedule college visits and research potential colleges and career paths. Discuss the importance of maintaining a strong GPA and participating in extracurricular activities with your child and their guidance counselor.

If your child is preparing for standardized tests like the PSAT or ACT, help them find study resources and consider enrolling them in a prep course to improve their score.

#3: Promote independence and responsibility

As they prepare for adulthood and going off to college, encourage your child to take on more responsibilities at home. Teach them important life skills such as budgeting, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and time management. 

If appropriate, support your child in finding a part-time job. This can teach valuable skills and help them learn to balance work and school responsibilities.

#4: Mental health and well-being

Supporting your child’s mental health and well-being is essential at any age, but especially for high schoolers dealing with significant changes and heightened emotions. 

Maintain open lines of communication by discussing the importance of mental health and stress management with your child, and promote an environment where seeking help is supported.

Encourage healthy habits such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices.

Learn more:
How you can support your child’s mental health at every age

In conclusion

Preparing for the new school year involves more than just buying supplies and new clothes. It’s about setting routines, managing expectations, and ensuring your child feels confident and prepared. By tailoring your approach to the unique needs of your children, you can help make the transition back to school a positive and successful experience.

Interested in Windermere Preparatory School?

At Windermere Preparatory School, we’re proud to be Central Florida’s leading prep school for students in Pre-K 3 through 12th grade. We promote the values of unity, truth, and integrity and provide our students with many experiences to grow and reflect, so they can apply their learning to the world.

Learn more about Windermere Prep from our Admissions Officers.