Heading back to school can be an exciting time with all the new routines, fresh school supplies, and the chance to learn new subjects and try out different activities. It might be hard to imagine during summer’s carefree days and late evenings, but the new school year will sneak up before you know it.
Transitioning from summer’s freedom to a structured schedule overnight isn’t easy. You certainly don’t want to spring a “go to bed early tonight, school starts tomorrow!” on your kids. Having homeschooled my six children, I know firsthand that a daily routine is crucial. It helps us stay organized, accomplish more, and reduce stress.
I’ve found it helpful to start easing into a new routine early, giving the kids time to adjust. Believe it or not, now is actually a great time to start working on your back-to-school routine. The new school year will be here before we know it!
Whether you’re homeschooling or sending kids to school, these tips can help your family smoothly transition from summer’s laid-back vibe to the structure of school days.
The shift from a relaxed summer to a busy school year can be tough for anyone, especially kids. That’s why I like to start introducing a new routine around late July, allowing us a few weeks to get into the swing of things. Don’t worry if you can’t start that early; getting organized with a routine is beneficial at any time.
These are some strategies that have worked well for my family during the transition. While creating routines might seem like a lot, kids actually thrive on structure because it helps them know what to expect.
Involve your children as you plan your daily routines. We often hold family meetings to discuss chore schedules and other responsibilities. All of my kids can cook, which means they contribute to family meals. As parents, we set the tone at home, but kids often have valuable input for the schedule.
After a summer of leisurely mornings, a structured school morning can feel daunting. But if you’ve planned a morning routine for school days, the transition will be a lot smoother. This makes mornings less stressful (though never entirely stress-free!).
Start by deciding what time everyone needs to get to school or start their day. Then work backward to determine wake-up times. Older kids in middle or high school can sleep a bit later if school starts later. Younger ones usually need to rise earlier.
For younger kids, a printable checklist of morning tasks can work wonders. Include brushing teeth, combing hair, eating breakfast, getting dressed, and making lunch.
Don’t forget about your own morning routine! I recommend getting up 30-45 minutes before the kids so you have some quiet time to start your day or get a few things done. My older kids and I wake up at sunrise to enjoy the morning peace and get our circadian rhythms on track. It’s a peaceful start that I’ve come to love.
If your family has been sleeping in all summer, begin shifting to an earlier wake time a few weeks before school starts. Move the clock back by 15 minutes every few days until you reach the desired time. This gradual approach helps with bedtime adjustments too.
After school is a perfect time for connecting with your kids and listening to how their day went. Establishing an after-school routine helps keep things organized, particularly if they have activities that fill up their schedule.
At the end of the school day, offer a healthy snack and some time to chat in a relaxed atmosphere. Encourage them to take responsibility by unpacking backpacks or cleaning up their study area. Homework can be scheduled for after school as well. Also, include some unstructured playtime, preferably outdoors if possible.
If your kids are older, teach them time management. Give them guidelines for what needs to be done before their extracurriculars and let them choose their timing.
A nighttime routine is as vital as a morning one, especially for younger children. It sets the stage for preparing what’s needed for the next day. This includes packing meals, selecting clothes, and organizing things they need for after-school activities.
Incorporate screen time rules to foster healthy tech habits. Bathtime is an excellent way to include self-care, and reading together helps to wind down the evening smoothly. If bedtime has been later over the summer, start gradually moving it earlier.
The school year often comes with tight schedules, especially with extracurriculars. With multiple kids in sports, I spend many afternoons at various meets. Planning meals in advance ensures everyone eats healthily without last-minute chaos. We cook mostly at home, preferring real food.
Family meals are significant, even though it’s tough to have them every night. We try to have breakfast and dinner together. I offer a variety of breakfast options and ensure there’s always protein at meals to maintain energy. Older kids should help in lunch planning to avoid processed foods. Planning is great even for homeschooling lunches, though you don’t have to pack them.
I typically plan our meals weeks or even a month in advance, rotating recipes and adding new ones. I use weekends to batch cook, ensuring healthy options are readily available. This helps with lunch packing and guarantees meals when not everyone is home together.
Meal prep is a part of our evening routine, allowing my kids to practice their cooking skills while spending time together.
With school back in session, more germs float around, so it’s time to boost the whole family’s immunity. I emphasize a diet rich in whole foods, nutrients, probiotics, and supplements. We take spore-based probiotics because they survive the digestive tract better. I also regularly offer fermented foods and drinks.
The kids might get less vitamin D as they spend more time indoors, so I check their levels and supplement if needed. We always have vitamin C handy for occasional illness. Epsom salt baths and magnesium sprays or lotions are part of our nightly routines.
Whether you’re sending kids off to school or homeschooling, ensure they have the supplies they need to succeed. I usually shop in late July when stores start sales, which allows us to avoid sold-out items. Check with schools for required supplies and set up a dedicated homework space with everything they’ll need.
For homeschoolers, create a designated learning space. Gather resources based on their age and curriculum. Even if you can’t allocate an entire room, set up a quiet corner for schoolwork.
And of course, kids grow fast, so they’ll likely need new clothes. I prefer sustainable brands but also shop at thrift stores to save money and be eco-friendly. We use a capsule wardrobe to minimize clothing and ease decision-making for my younger ones.
Starting early with back-to-school prep ensures a smoother transition to new routines. Plan ahead so you can capture that first-day-of-school picture with less stress and more calm.
