Ah, the final stretch of summer. That magical time when the sunscreen is running low, the pool floaties are deflating, and your kids have officially said “I’m bored” 87 times. School is right around the corner—and while part of you might be counting the days (no judgment), it is also a great time to slow down and prep in a way that feels more fun than frantic.
1. Reset the Sleep Clock (Gently).
No need to go full drill sergeant, but start inching bedtimes back a little each night. Maybe swap that late-night movie for a story or a quiet board game. Their teachers (and your sleep rhythm) will thank you.
2. Practice the Morning Routine (with Pancakes).
Do a couple of “dry runs” of school mornings. Set alarms, do breakfast, get dressed… then go nowhere. It’s a low-stakes way to work out the kinks—and pancakes make everything better. This is especially handy if your kids are going to different schools or if your routine is changing from the previous year. It’s a nice way to help plan the schedule better so it’s not pure chaos those first few weeks. Or it still might be, but at least you know you did your homework and tried!
3. Visit the School Playground.
Especially for younger kids or those starting at a new school, visiting the playground helps make the space feel familiar. It is like a sneak preview—minus the first-day jitters. Kids can feel uncomfortable with both the location and the new friends, so making one of the items less scary and new can help them transition a little easier.
4. Squeeze in Some Chill Time.
Plan a lazy day or a mini staycation. Watch movies, make popcorn, play card games, or build an epic blanket fort. It is a calm-before-the-storm bonding moment, and let’s face it—you will miss them (a little) once they are gone all day.
5. Talk About the Fun Stuff Ahead.
New teachers, old friends, field trips, recess drama—talk about it all with excitement. Frame school as something to look forward to, not dread. Even if your kid is excited, it is something new, so it is also going to feel a little scary and intimidating to them.
The transition from summer to school doesn’t have to be a mad dash. A little planning mixed with a lot of laughs goes a long way. And if nothing else, stock up on coffee. For you, not them.
Katie Kyzivat