July 31, 2023
5 Tips for a Stress Free Back to School Transition in 2023
Table of Contents
It’s back to school season! This year, set your family up for success with these 5 tips:
#1 Establish a Routine Early
Ease the adjustment by gradually shifting bedtimes and wake-ups towards the school schedule a few weeks in advance. This helps avoid first-day chaos!
Transitioning sleeping schedules can be challenging for kids when school is starting up again. Avoid first-week chaos by gradually shifting bedtime and wake-up call routines in advanced.
Let kids stay up a bit later on Friday and Saturday nights, then reign it back in the rest of the week. Making small incremental shifts is the key to back-to-school sleep success!
#2 Do Some School Supply Shopping Together
Let kids pick out a few fun items like notebooks, pens, and erasers. This gets them engaged in the process.
Back-to-school shopping is more exciting when kids are involved in picking out their gear. Have them select special items to spark enthusiasm for Back To School
Make a Shared List
- Sit down together and come up with supplies your student will need – pencils, folders, glue, notebooks, etc.
- Let them take the lead and watch their excitement build.
Include Fun Extras
- Allow them to toss in a few fun items like patterned binders, colorful pens, and silly erasers.
- These small indulgences add enjoyment to everyday school tasks.
Set a Budget
- Give them a school shopping budget to work within when browsing shelves.
- Guide them through prioritizing needs, evaluating options, and staying on track.
Shop Together
- Make a special day of picking out items from their list at the store.
- Offer input but let your student take the lead to build independence.
Add Incentives
- Promise a fun activity afterward like ice cream or a movie to celebrate getting all geared up.
Blending necessities and play make school shopping a rewarding experience they’ll look forward to each year.
#3 Pack a Test Lunch Together
Get your child excited about lunches! Have them help pick items and pack it up in their new insulated lunch bag.
Before the first day, have your child help prepare a test run lunch to get them engaged and comfortable with cafeteria meals. Start healthy habits before heading Back To School.
Create Options Together
- Lay out a variety of healthy lunch items like sandwiches, snacks, and fruits.
- Have them select their favorite foods and help assemble the lunchbox.
Take It for a Spin
- Pack their practice lunch in their new insulated SACHI bag. Let them carry it proudly.
- For added fun, enjoy a pretend lunch picnic together at home.
Assess and Improve
- What worked well or would they tweak? Let them guide updates to find their perfect lunch.
- Make adjustments together the night before the big day.
Add Excitement
- Include a positive note or fun pencil/sticker/eraser to surprise them when they unpack lunch.
- Special first-day treats build lunchtime anticipation.
Doing a test run of packing lunches together helps kids gain ownership. While building nutrition skills, you’re also reducing back to school nerves and fueling their eagerness to take on school!
#4 Tour the School Beforehand
Walk the halls together so they can preview classrooms and meet teachers. This reduces first-day jitters.
Walking through your child’s new school together before they head back to school eases the transition by familiarizing them with the environment.
Stop by the Front Office
- Check-in so they learn the routine for when parents visit.
- Meet support staff like secretaries, nurses, and counselors.
Locate Classrooms
- Confirm classroom numbers and locations for easy navigation on day one.
- Introduce your child to teachers you see in the halls.
Review Logistics
- Identify bathrooms, cafeteria, and pick-up spots so they know where to go.
- Note landmarks like the library, gym, and office to orient themselves on campus.
Time the Commute
- Do a test run of walking or driving to school to see exactly how long it takes.
- Allow extra time on the first day to account for traffic or locating classrooms.
Touring the school ahead of time helps students gain confidence and reduces back to school jitters. They’ll feel in-the-know and ready to take on the new year!
#5 Make the First Day Extra Special
Kick off the year with a fun family breakfast, cute first-day photos, a small gift, or a handwritten note wishing them luck!
Make your student feel celebrated on this important milestone with these first-day back to school traditions:
Special Sendoff Breakfast
- Make their favorite breakfast food like pancakes or waffles.
- Decorate the table to get them excited for the big day!
First Day Photos
- Capture cute pictures by the front door with their new backpack and lunchbox.
- Take a snapshot of them posing with their school sign.
Hidden Lunchbox Surprise
- Place a positive note or small trinket like a sticker in their lunchbox for them to find later.
- Add a sweet treat to celebrate after school too!
First Day Gift
- Pick out a special new item like a notebook, pen, or bracelet.
- Write a message about being proud of them starting school.
After School Celebration
- Plan a fun activity like going out for ice cream, pizza, or a movie.
- Reflect together on their first day and congratulate them!
With traditions that make the day feel momentous, your student will beam with pride and readiness to take on the school year.
With early bedtimes and practice lunches, send kids off prepared with a trendy yet durable insulated lunch bag from SACHI for back to school. Our colorful prints stand up to spills and daily use. Learn more about our best-selling kids’ lunch bags.
Those are 5 tips for easing into back to school! Let the countdown begin. This will be your student’s best year yet!