The smell of freshly sharpened pencils is in the air, which can only mean one thing: it’s back-to-school season!
As summer winds down and school creeps closer, everyone in the family, kids, teens, and parents alike, can benefit from a few simple ways to ease into the new routine.
Let’s face it, jumping from summer vibes into school mode can feel like a lot. But it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are five simple, flexible tips the whole family can use to make the transition smoother and maybe even a little bit fun!
1. Start shifting routines early (but keep it gentle)
Summer bedtimes have a way of drifting later, and mornings get lazier, which can make that first early wake-up for school feel brutal. About two weeks before the first day of school, start adjusting sleep and wake times in small increments - say, 15 minutes earlier every few days.
For teens, who naturally tend to fall asleep later, this might mean limiting late-night screen time or setting up an evening routine that encourages winding down (think reading, herbal tea, or low-light music). For parents, it could be about prepping lunches or laying out clothes the night before to reduce morning stress.
2. Hold a “back-to-school family check-in”
Transitions can stir up a lot of feelings—excitement, fear, frustration, or even grief over the end of summer. Before school starts, plan a low-pressure family meeting to talk about what’s coming. Ask everyone:
- What are you looking forward to?
- What worries you?
- What do you need from the family to feel supported?
For younger kids, you can turn this into a drawing activity or story time. Teens might roll their eyes at first, but often appreciate the chance to be heard (especially if it doesn’t turn into a lecture). Parents, too, can share what they’re excited or nervous about—this models healthy emotional expression and shows kids that it’s normal to have mixed feelings.
3. Create a shared “launch pad” space
One of the biggest stressors during the first weeks of school? The morning scramble: lost keys, missing homework, and forgotten lunches. A simple, physical organizing solution can help set up a shared “launch pad” area near the front door or kitchen.
This can include:
- Hooks or cubbies for backpacks and bags
- A tray for keys, wallets, and phones
- A calendar with everyone’s schedules
- A checklist for things to grab before leaving
- Encourage everyone in the family (kids, teens, and adults) to use it consistently.
Over time, this small habit helps reduce last-minute stress and arguments.
4. Practice the route and routine
For younger kids or those starting a new school, it can help to do a “practice run” before the first day: walk or drive the route, explore the campus, or even role-play what the morning will look like.
For teens starting high school or college, encourage them to map out where classes are located, figure out locker combinations, and identify quiet spots to recharge. Parents can also do a personal version of this: review new commute routes, school calendars, and after-school logistics.
The more familiar everyone feels with what to expect, the less anxious and rushed the real first day will be.
5. Keep self-care on the schedule
The start of school often brings a rush of extracurriculars, meetings, and to-dos that can leave everyone frazzled. Before you fill every slot on the calendar, block off time for rest and fun, too.
For kids, this might be a “quiet hour” after school to read or decompress. Teens might appreciate time to hang out with friends or zone out with music. Parents might plan a time for journaling, an after-dinner walk, a coffee date, or just 20 minutes of phone-free downtime.
If it helps, add these self-care blocks to the family calendar; seeing them in writing helps everyone treat them as non-negotiable. Remember: a rested, emotionally balanced family handles stress and change much better. Back-to-school doesn’t have to feel like slamming on the gas after a long coast. By easing into routines, talking things out as a family, setting up a shared launch pad, doing a few dry runs, and carving out downtime, everyone can step into the new school year feeling a bit more grounded and a lot less frazzled. Wishing your family an easier, calmer start—and maybe even a little excitement for what’s to come!
Quick Read:
- Ease back into earlier bedtimes before school starts
- Hold a family check-in to share hopes & worries
- Set up a “launch pad” by the door for bags & keys
- Do a practice run of the school route & morning routine
- Block out downtime on the calendar for everyone.
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to feel chaotic. A few small steps, like earlier bedtimes, open family check-ins, a shared launch pad, practice runs, and scheduled downtime, can make the transition a lot smoother for everyone.
It’s not about getting it perfect but just making it manageable. What helps your family ease back into the routine?
About the Author:
Paige Whitley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. With over 3 years of dedicated experience, Paige has become a trusted ally for diverse populations, including the neurodivergent community, trauma survivors, substance abuse sufferers, and those navigating general mental health challenges. Since 2010, Paige has impacted young lives through her work as a lifeguard, swim teacher, behavior technician, nanny, and counselor. When not at work, she indulges in the magic of Disney Parks, enticing culinary adventures, and family time with her husband, fur babies, and baby Whitley. Passionate and empathetic, she's a catalyst for positive change, committed to making a difference in her community's mental health landscape.
