Back to School: 4 Ways to Prepare Yourself & Your Child for Fall

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, the term ‘back to school’ can bring up feelings of stress and anxiety, especially during these unprecedented times. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

For me, this time of year has always brought my heart rate up because of excitement and the anticipation of new beginnings! I’ve always loved shopping for school supplies, buying new clothes, getting my class schedule and prepping for a new ‘year’ full of opportunities to learn and grow!

I understand though how not everyone feels the same way I do. For some there’s a longing to hold onto summer just a little bit longer, to ignore the incoming responsibilities and unknown, to put off the hustle and bustle of transitioning into a new school year, which can seem daunting and overwhelming. But like I said before, it doesn’t have to be that way! I’ve learned when you prepare during transitions in life, especially this big inevitable one, we set ourselves and the children in our lives up for success! And this follows suit for any and all future changing of seasons, whether planned or not!

Check out my list below (which includes freebies) to learn how to ride the waves of uncertainty into a new school year!

Figure out your SCHEDULE ahead of time!

I don’t know about you but I LOVE writing in my planner, saving appointments in my Google calendar, and having an overall picture of how my days, weeks, and months are going to go! When I was in school I would have a print out of my schedule and put it in the front cover of my binder. Do kids even print things out anymore?

A lot of stress can come from not knowing what to expect. And with everything going on in the world it’s nice to know you have control over some things. And this can be having a clear idea of your work, school, and activities schedules and coming up with a system with your kids that will help them stay clear as well. Make a shared Google calendar with your older children who have their own devices, have a printed schedule or whiteboard calendar in a community space in your home with color coded activities so your entire family knows what’s happening, print out your child’s schedule and post it in their room, in a school binder or planner, and anywhere else they can see it often. This helps everyone be on the same page and know what to expect.

Even for littles, this ritual can help kids process what to expect and visualize their days. Visualizing ahead of time can help soothe pangs of anxiety, even if things don’t go exactly as planned, you still have a general idea of the flow of each day.

Don’t wait until last minute to gather and buy SUPPLIES!

Whether it’s a new wardrobe or notebooks and pencils or an iPad, do not wait until last minute to stock up on your back to school essentials. Once you’ve figured out your schedule, figure out your budget, make a checklist, and start shopping! Go through your children’s lists with them. Again, this is a ritual that along with planning your day, can help you mentally prepare and feel ready to take on your jam packed schedule. By gathering all the necessary supplies you have all the physical tools necessary to successfully maneuver through any busy schedule!

There is something to be said about having all of your supplies stacked in a pile or put away in your new backpack next to your first day of school outfit! You feel ready and relieved!

Take a moment to CHECK IN!

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of transitioning from summer to back to school. Especially with the weight of current world affairs, make a point of checking in with yourself and with your child. How are you feeling? How are they feeling? How was summer? What will you miss most? What are you looking forward to?

It can sometimes feel like we’re jumping from the freedom of summer right into the classroom, which makes it important to become aware of the present moment during times of transition. And sharing this with the children in your life will help them process what they’re experiencing. It will help you and them stay present through times of change. Summer is not quite over, and although you may preparing for the Fall, it’s not quite here either. We are in the beautiful in between.

Check out my free journal prompt for all ages on processing and discussing changing of seasons and transitions!

Keep it POSITIVE!

My last but not least point is one that is meant to help guide you through all of the above. And that is having a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. With everything that is beyond our control, now seemingly more so than ever, how you present that information to yourself and your children can make or break your daily mood and potentially the mood for the entire school year. Remember when discussing things such as schedules, buying supplies, how you feel, mask mandates, remote learning, and much, much more… try to keep the positivity flowing. That’s not to say we aren’t feeling anxious, burnt out, confused, and dealing with many more difficult emotions, it’s just that our mindset and outlook can make a world of a difference on a daily basis!

If you can keep the message flowing that we are all doing the best we can and to make the best of the cards we’re being dealt, then things will run much more smoothly. IF we can strive to find the silver lining.

If we can find gratitude instead of complaining, we can foster more joy! Again, this is easier said than done most of the time, but taking a moment to check in with yourself and noticing how you feel can help you realize what you are in control of versus what you are not. And this will make a world of a difference when monitoring your mindset!

Transitions in life are so important and not talked about often enough. How we navigate them sets the tone for the new season ahead. And your physical and mental preparation can make all the difference in our experience as we venture through life. Our only guarantee is change, and our best bet is to embrace it.

What is your favorite season and why? Let me know in the comments!