One of my favorite things about education is the opportunity to get a fresh start each August. What other occupation allows a total reset every year? It’s exhilarating and honestly a little scary, too! Your kids probably feel this same mixture of excitement and butterflies as summer winds down.
After years of watching families navigate this transition, I’ve discovered a few simple practices that transform those back-to-school jitters into genuine excitement. These strategies work for all ages—from preschoolers clutching their new lunch boxes to high schoolers trying to play it cool—though they’ll look different for each stage.
First, let me share something I’ve learned the hard way: start easing into your school routine several days before the first day. I know, I know—summer is precious and nobody wants to cut it short. But trust me on this one. Instead of jarring your family awake at 6 AM after a summer of sleeping in, gradually shift bedtimes and wake-up times by 15-30 minutes every few days. Practice your morning routine—getting dressed, eating breakfast, gathering backpacks—without the pressure of actually getting to school on time. You can even make it fun by calling it “practice school mornings” and celebrating small wins like everyone being ready 10 minutes early.
Here’s another thing that makes a huge difference: create space for both dreams and worries. Schedule dedicated one-on-one time with each child to talk through their expectations and fears. Ask open-ended questions like “What are you most excited about this year?” or “What’s one thing that feels a little scary?” or “What would make this the best school year ever?” When children put their thoughts into words, it helps them process emotions and gives you valuable insight into how to support them. Sometimes a fear that seems huge to a child has a simple solution you can implement together.
Something else I’ve noticed over the years is that all students—even those who’ve been at FRCS for years—feel social anxiety before school starts. You can help with this by arranging low-pressure meetups before the first day. This could be a playground playdate for younger kids, a coffee shop hangout for middle schoolers, or a movie night for high schoolers. The goal isn’t a big event—it’s simply helping your child reconnect with familiar faces so they walk into school feeling like they belong.
And here’s one of my favorite suggestions: create a “summer send-off” tradition. Mark the end of summer with intention. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ with homemade ice cream, a camping trip, or even just a special family movie night with everyone’s favorite snacks, the key is celebrating together. This tradition helps your family transition from summer mode to school mode while creating positive memories. New to this idea? Start simple. Ask your kids what would make them feel excited about summer ending, and build from there.
These small, intentional steps do more than just ease back-to-school anxiety—they strengthen your family’s ability to navigate transitions together. When children feel supported and prepared, they’re more likely to embrace new challenges with confidence.
Taking time now to plan your family’s transition will pay dividends throughout the school year. Here’s to fresh starts, new friendships, and all the learning adventures ahead! See you at our First Day Flapjacks celebration—I can’t wait to hear how these strategies worked for your family!
