With Labor Day just around the corner and kids heading back to school, the official start of Fall isn’t far away! From new schedules to new teachers, getting back into a school routine isn’t easy. But with some planning and helpful tips, you can help your family get off to a smooth start this Fall. Here are ways you can make the most of the back-to-school season & more!

Create a morning checklist

From remembering to pack books & lunches to making sure devices are charged and ready for class, students and families have plenty to remember before heading out the door. If you’re struggling with the morning rush, make a daily checklist using a whiteboard or sticky notes so your student won’t forget any essentials.

Set small, manageable goals to ease into a new routine

Especially in the first weeks, setting small daily goals can make the rush of a new routine much easier to manage. Begin with high-level goals like getting to the right classrooms on time, learning the names of teachers and classmates, and checking planners or your email daily for assignments and school news.

Know it’s OK to ask for help

We can all feel a little at sea at times, especially in navigating a new school year. Encourage your child to ask for help with problems of any size, from simple issues like locating a classroom to more complex needs like mental health support. Let your student know that teachers and school staff are eager to offer support and asking for help when you need it is a strength – not a weakness.

Read your email daily & stay in-the-know

Keep up with daily communications about what’s happening at school. The more you know, the more confident and comfortable your student and family will feel in their new classroom or school.

Prioritize mental health

It’s been a stressful time for everyone, and many kids have felt the changes of the last few years acutely. Celebrate successes, no matter how small, and encourage your children to speak up if they feel overly stressed, anxious, or depressed. School counselors are here to help your child manage anxious feelings and be resilient in the face of big change.

Be present and participate

One of the best ways to overcome new school jitters is to just show up and participate – and that goes for kids and adults. Help kids get to school consistently and on time, and encourage them to interact in class, even if it feels weird at first. Being involved in your child’s education will help them give their best effort and feel like they have a supportive partner in their new routine.

Explore new interests & opportunities

As kids get older, they’ll have more opportunities to explore new interests and talents. Whether your child is interested in sports, arts, technology, or languages, encourage them to look for ways to grow their talents in the classroom and with clubs or teams. Enriching your student’s experience with new activities is a great way to keep them excited and engaged in class throughout the year.

Brush up on school bus traffic laws

Adjusting to the extra bus traffic on the road can be a pain, but failing to follow bus safety laws can be even more costly. Passing a stopped bus on a two-lane road is always prohibited. And on four-lane or higher roads, drivers coming in the opposite direction should proceed with caution, but are not required to stop. There are heavy fines and penalties for passing a stopped school bus, so drive carefully to protect yourself and our kids from harm.