Back to School: Tips For Easing The Transition

As summer winds down, the shift back to early mornings, structured days, and homework can be challenging for students—and their parents. The transition isn’t just about buying school supplies; it’s about helping children adjust physically, emotionally, and mentally to a new routine. A smooth start can set the tone for the entire school year. We've learned that many children lose academic skills over the summer. Now with the limitless technology, they also lose executive skills including sustained attention to things they find "boring", prioritizing, planning and problem solving.

Below are practical, research-based strategies to help your child move from the laid-back days of summer to the rhythm of the school year—while keeping them motivated and engaged:

1. Resetting Sleep Schedules

Over the summer, bedtimes often slip later, and mornings get lazier. Unfortunately, a sudden return to early mornings can leave kids tired, cranky, and unfocused.

What to do:

• Shift gradually: About two weeks before school starts, move bedtime earlier by 15–20 minutes every few nights. Do the same for wake-up time.

• Create a calming bedtime routine: Dim lights, read a book together, or encourage quiet, screen-free activities in the hour before bed.

• Protect mornings from rushing: Build in a 10-minute “buffer time” so your child can start the day calm, not frantic.

  
  

Well-rested kids are better equipped to focus, regulate emotions, and start the school year strong.

2. Limiting Screen Time

Summer often means more screen time for movies, games, and social media. But too much screen time during the school year can interfere with homework, sleep, and social interaction.

What to do:

• Set consistent limits: Establish “screen-off” times—such as during meals, the hour before bed, and before homework is done.

• Create screen-free zones: Bedrooms and homework areas should be device-free to reduce distractions.

• Encourage active downtime: Replace passive scrolling with hands-on hobbies like drawing, baking, or building.

  
  

Reducing screen time isn’t about punishment—it’s about making room for healthy, balanced activities.

3. Boosting Academic Readiness

Kids don’t need full-blown summer school to stay sharp, but a little academic “warm-up” can help them re-engage their learning muscles.

What to do:

• Read daily: Even 15 minutes of shared reading or silent reading can improve vocabulary and comprehension.

• Practice mental math: Use real-life opportunities—like calculating a tip, estimating grocery totals, or doubling a recipe.

• Review past work: If possible, glance over last year’s notebooks or projects to refresh key concepts.

  
  

Think of it as “stretching” before the big game—it prevents learning fatigue and builds confidence.

4. Planning Fun After School Activities

The first few weeks back can be mentally exhausting for kids. Adding moments of joy helps balance the hard work and keeps their motivation high.

What to do:

• Plan low-pressure fun: Play board games, go for walks, bake cookies, or visit the park.

• Schedule social time: Arrange short playdates or meet-ups so kids can reconnect with friends.

• Celebrate small wins: End the first week with a special dinner, ice cream outing, or movie night to acknowledge their effort.

  
  

Fun after school isn’t a distraction—it’s an essential part of helping children regulate stress and maintain enthusiasm for learning.

The back-to-school transition is a family process. While you may be excited for your kids to go back to school, many of them don't share the same sentiment. When parents provide structure, warmth, and a few intentional habits, children feel more secure and ready to thrive. You don’t need to make all the changes overnight—start small, stay consistent, and remember that connection matters just as much as preparation. Here’s to a year of learning, growth, and plenty of shared smiles. And remember, if your children have a hard time transitioning no matter what you do, they'll eventually adapt to the rigor and structure of the school year (and then get ready for winter break!).

David Krasky is a licensed school psychologist and author of Raising Future Adults