If you’re like many parents, you are amazed at how quickly summer has flown by, and you are in the midst of preparing your child to head back to school. Here are a few tips that can help to make the transition back to school easier for parents and kids.

Practice the school year routine.

Set the alarm clock in the morning just as you would on a school day. Wake up, wash up, and have breakfast. Be in the car or at the bus stop by the appropriate time to make it to school on time. Adjust bedtimes so that students will get a good night’s sleep.

Gather school supplies.

Allow kids to take an active role in choosing supplies. Let them check off items on the back-to-school shopping list so that they can feel assured that they have everything they will need. Allow them to pick an especially cool backpack or folder or pens. Help them to organize their supplies so they can unpack easily on the first day of class. Label important items with initials or tags.

Visit school in advance if it’s a new environment.

Help kids get familiar with their classroom, the nearest bathroom, the cafeteria, and playground. Meet the teacher(s) and even the principal if possible.

Re-connect with classmates before classes start.

Consider a play date or other get-together to reacquaint kids who may not have had much contact during the summer.

Talk about goals for the upcoming school year.

Discuss plans for involvement in sports, clubs, or other extracurricular activities.

Establish a study space.

Clear away clutter and distractions so that students can focus on homework without distractions.

Pray that God will bless your student with the best school year ever.

This list could include an excellent teacher, kind classmates, and opportunities for learning that are fun and safe!