From Pool Floaties to Pencil Cases: Helping Kids Transition Back to School
Sweet summer - the season of popsicles, late bedtimes, and the mysterious art of finding sand in your child’s shoes weeks after your last beach trip. But as the sunscreen bottles run dry and the fireflies fade, a new season begins: back-to-school.
For kids, that transition can feel like trading in an all-you-can-eat ice cream buffet for a plate of steamed broccoli. For parents, it’s a mix of relief (structure is back!) and chaos (who knew school supplies could spark such deep sibling rivalries?). Here are a few ways to help your kids ease into the school routine—without losing your sanity.
1. Start the Schedule Reset (Gently)
If bedtime drifted into “whenever-they-finally-crash-o’clock,” it’s time to reel it back in. Don’t shock them with a sudden 8 p.m. lights-out the night before school. Start moving bedtime earlier by 15 minutes every few nights. Think of it as daylight savings, but for kids’ sleep cycles—and with fewer arguments about clocks.
2. Reboot the Morning Routine
Summer mornings can look like a cereal commercial gone rogue. Back-to-school mornings? Not so forgiving. Practice a few “dry runs”: set alarms, get dressed, pack pretend lunches. It might feel silly, but it helps shake off the rust (and reduces the odds of finding your child still in pajamas at the bus stop).
3. Sneak in Some Learning (Shh… They Won’t Even Notice)
After weeks of pool time and popsicles, academic muscles can get a little wobbly. You don’t need to run a boot camp, but small things help: reading a fun book together, practicing math while baking, or playing trivia in the car. Basically, keep the brain gears turning—without making it feel like summer school.
4. Get Them Involved in the Prep
Kids love ownership (especially if it involves picking the “coolest” folders or arguing over the sparkliest pencil case). Let them help shop for supplies, choose their lunchbox snacks, or even plan their first-day outfit. It builds excitement—and saves you from making the wrong backpack choice.
5. Talk About the Fun Stuff, Too
The start of school isn’t just rules, homework, and “did you wash your hands after gym class?” Remind your child about the good parts: seeing friends, new teachers, art projects, and yes—recess. Reframing school as an adventure instead of an obligation can go a long way.
Final Thought
The back-to-school transition isn’t always smooth (expect some grumbling, maybe a few eye rolls, and possibly a dramatic “summer is ruined forever!” speech). But with a little prep, structure, and humor, your family can shift gears without too many bumps. And hey—if all else fails, there’s always coffee. For you. Lots and lots of coffee.
Ryan is a wife, mom of two, and owner of CrógaRow Education, a speech-language therapy and literacy & academic coaching practice. Ryan works 1:1 with students of all ages, from preschool through high school, and beyond. She loves adventuring with her family, reading, and escaping to warm weather whenever possible.