Easing Into A New School Year
Well, it’s here—another school year! And for many parents, you can almost hear the sigh of relief. Summer is fun, random, and adventurous. It’s full of late nights, loose schedules, and spontaneous activities. But overnight, everything changes—not just for the kids, but for you too.
With the joy of a fresh start also comes the challenge of shifting from summer’s easy flow to the structure and deadlines of the school year. Here are five quick tips to help you and your family make this year’s transition smoother, healthier, and maybe even a little more fun.
1. Prepare for sleep
Kids need more sleep than most get. According to the National Sleep Foundation, preschoolers (ages 3–5) need 10–13 hours, school-aged children (6–12) need 9–12 hours, and teenagers (13–18) need 8–10 hours each night. When children are overtired, stress levels rise for the whole family. Start building a consistent bedtime routine now—consistency creates less adversity.
2. Set a homework time.
Decide when homework will be done—right after school, after a short break, or in the evening—and keep that time as consistent as possible. This removes the daily debate and helps kids develop a habit that sticks.
3. Share your expectations early.
Talk with your child about your expectations for homework completion, school attendance, and grades before the year gets too busy. This is also the perfect time to set clear screen time rules—how much they can use devices, when they can use them, and where. Establishing these guidelines early prevents conflict later and helps your child develop healthy tech habits.
4. Plan downtime.
Kids need downtime to unwind—not in front of their devices, but true time to themselves. That might mean reading, drawing, being outdoors, or simply relaxing. Avoid over-scheduling so they can naturally find that space. And don’t forget family time. Shared meals, game nights, or even a simple walk together not only create great memories but also strengthen family bonds. Schedule these moments in, just like you would any other important activity.
5. Give yourself grace.
The back-to-school transition can be exciting, bumpy, exhausting, and rewarding—all at the same time. Take a deep breath, hang on, and enjoy the ride.
Here’s to a positive, productive, and happy school year ahead!
Feel free to email me if you need some more specific recommendations/suggestions to help you achieve these goals!