Back-to-School Series: How to prepare yourself and your kids for 1st day of school

As summer comes to a close, it's time to start thinking about the upcoming school year. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or entering high school, preparing both yourself and your child for the transition can make a big difference in how smoothly the school year goes. Here are some tips on how to do just that.

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Setting expectations is key.

Talk with your child about what they can expect from the school year, whether it's a new teacher, new classmates, or harder classes. Discuss any concerns they may have and help them come up with strategies to address them. Additionally, set expectations for behavior and academic performance. Let your child know what you expect of them and what the consequences will be if those expectations are not met.

Make it visual.

Visual reminders can be incredibly helpful in establishing routines. Create a calendar that outlines the school schedule, extracurricular activities, and any important dates, such as parent-teacher conferences or school events. Hang this calendar in a visible location, such as the kitchen, so your child can easily see what is coming up. Similarly, creating a checklist of tasks that need to be completed each morning before heading to school can help establish a routine and ensure your child is prepared for the day ahead.

Practice makes perfect.

Finally, practice, practice, practice. Establishing routines takes time and effort. Start practicing the school routine a week before school starts. Wake your child up at the time they will need to wake up during the school year, have them get dressed and eat breakfast, and then practice walking or driving to school. This will help your child get into the habit of waking up early and will also give you an idea of how long the morning routine will take.

By setting expectations, having visual reminders, and practicing routines, you can help ensure that both you and your child are prepared for the upcoming school year. A little preparation can go a long way in making the transition back to school a smooth one.

If you're still feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to ask for help! Check out our in-person or virtual services and you can have a professional organizer help you while you get your home prepped for this back-to-school season. You can sign up for a FREE consultation here.

I also have a totally free download for you! I created the Ultimate Back-to-School Checklist to make your first day of school a breeze! Check it out here.

You got this, mom! Have an amazing school year!