Practical Tips for Back to School 8/20/25

And just like that, summer vacation is winding down and a new school year is upon us. This transition can evoke both excitement and nervousness for children and caregivers alike. Here are some tips to help make the process smoother.

 Reestablish Healthy Routines. Start by phasing out less structured habits of summer and getting back into regular routines well before the first day of school. Set and practice consistent bedtimes, turn off electronics at least one hour before bed, and prepare outfits and backpacks the night before. In the morning, encourage waking up at a set time, eating a nutritious breakfast, brushing teeth, and getting dressed in time for school. Visual charts can be helpful for keeping children on track.

Practice the School Commute. Review how your child will get to and from school safely, ideally with a buddy. Those taking the bus or car need to wear seat belts. Remind teen drivers to avoid distractions like texting, eating, or drinking while driving. Bikers must wear helmets and follow traffic laws. Walkers, generally 9 years old and up, should become familiar with their route.

   Visit the School. If possible, visit the school or classroom before the first day. Some schools offer tours or teacher meet-and-greets. Younger children may enjoy playing on the school playground before the first day to get comfortable with the campus.

 Address Medical Needs. Confirm that your child’s vaccines are up to date and that all necessary health forms are completed. If your child needs medication during the school day, coordinate with your prescriber and submit the required paperwork to the school nurse.

Arrange Supervision Before and After School. Children up to adolescence should have close adult supervision at all times. Before and after school programming can be engaging options. If your child will be home alone after school, set clear rules for when they must arrive home, who they should check in with, when to open the door, and what to do in an emergency.

 Support Academic Success. Some students may need help organizing homework. Create a homework-friendly space free from television, social media, and other distractions; this is especially important for remote or hybrid learning. Contact your child’s teacher if they struggle with a particular subject. If your child has a disability affecting schoolwork, consider submitting a written request for a Section 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP).

 Normalize First-Day Nerves. Finally, remind your child that feeling nervous about this transition is normal. Model appropriate coping. Help them focus on what they are excited about, whether it be new supplies, reconnecting with friends, or participating in extracurricular activities. If their anxiety becomes overwhelming, consider reaching out to their teacher, school counselor, or a mental health professional.

Stay tuned for an upcoming article on addressing bullying in schools.

Resources for Parents

Visual Charts: https://www.socialworkerstoolbox.com/printable-visual-schedules-and-daily-routine-charts-for-children/

Back-to-School Checklist: https://www.pbs.org/parents/printables/back-to-school-checklist

First Week of School Planner: https://www.pbs.org/parents/printables/first-week-of-school-planner

IEP and 504 Plans: A Guide for Parents: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/developmental-disabilities/Pages/Individualized-Education-Program.aspx

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. Back-to-school tips. HealthyChildren.org. Updated August 7, 2023. Accessed August 12, 2025. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/back-to-school-tips.aspx

Nemours KidsHealth. Back-to-school. KidsHealth for Parents. Accessed August 12, 2025. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/back-school.html

PBS. Back to school. PBS Parents. Accessed August 12, 2025. https://www.pbs.org/parents/back-to-school

 AUTHOR:

Dr. Kristen Kim, MD

Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist

Vista Hill Foundation

Posted in School.