Getting Kids Ready for Back to School

Tips for making the transition a little easier on everyone

Kids and their caregivers are counting the days until school starts again—some with more joy than others. Returning to school can prove challenging for kids as they face meeting new teachers and friends, and, if they’re changing schools, there’s the added stress of learning a new routine and navigating unfamiliar hallways.

While you can’t be by their side for the entire first day, there are things you can do in advance of the big day to make sure they’re as mentally and physically ready as possible. Try these tips to help make the vacation to school transition go smoothly:

(1) Establish a new sleep routine before school starts

As much as they may not like it, kids will benefit from establishing a new sleep routine a few weeks before school starts. Working slowly to shift bedtime and rising times a bit earlier to avoid them being grumpy zombies on the first day. Consistent routines help children feel more secure and prepared for the demands of the school day.

(2) Involve kids in the readiness routine

If kids are allowed to choose their own school supplies, they’re more likely to be excited about the opportunity to use them. As you unwrap school supplies and ready their backpack, talk to them about what to expect in the classroom and what the new after-school routine will look like (homework before games or television, etc.) and other changes they should expect, like earlier bedtimes or maybe less screen time.

(3) Make them masters of the menu

Talk to your child about school lunches and snacks before the first week of school. Make a list of lunches and snacks they’ll enjoy and let them be part of the shopping experience. If your child is old enough, have them help pack their lunches the night before.

(4) Establish new rules for screen time

While limiting screen time is always important, it’s especially important when the school year begins. Research suggests that excessive screen time contributes to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. In fact, for kids aged 5 or younger who experience two or more hours of daily screen time are nearly eight times more likely to be diagnosed with focus-related conditions including ADHD.

In addition, screen time before bed has been shown to negatively impact sleep patterns in children, specifically, making it harder for them to fall asleep.

The National Institute for Health recommends replacing screen time at night and before bed with calm activities such as reading, coloring, and conversation.

(5) Talk through first-day fears

In the days leading up to the first day or return to school, talk your child about how they’re feeling about school. If they’re feeling nervous, reassure them that’s normal. Let them talk through the specific things they’re concerned about and discuss strategies for how they can handle those moments. This might include teaching simple breathing techniques to help them calm down or letting them know which teachers or other people at the school they can turn to for help.

(6) Discuss goals and expectations

Have an open conversation with your child about their goals and expectations for the new school year. Whether it’s improving in a particular subject, making new friends, or participating in extracurricular activities, setting goals can motivate and guide them. Encourage a positive attitude towards learning and emphasize that effort and persistence are key to success.

Be sure to make time for a check-in after the first day to see how it went. Celebrate their achievements and talk about what was scary, frustrating, or unclear and explore ways to make the next day (and the next day and the next) go more smoothly. Remember, your involvement and encouragement play a pivotal role in their academic and personal development. Here’s to a successful and enjoyable school year ahead!

Jaclyn Dy Lozier, MD, FAAP is the Chair of Pediatrics Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and the Medical Director at SVMC Pediatrics.