17 Easy Back-to-School Tips That'll Make The Year a Little Easier

Back-to-school can be a stressful time for parents and children alike, and that's why Gottlieb stresses the importance of talking to your kids about how they're feeling. "Instead of trying to fix it for them, just have them tell you about how they're feeling," she says. "Create that open space for them." Knowing that they can share their feelings with you will be helpful going forward through easy and hard times.

Back-to-school doesn't have to be all business. Make sure you remember to play. "The mood of a house is contagious," Gottlieb says, so if parents are stressed, the kids will pick up on it. Pick a time when, instead of pestering your kids with questions about homework, exams, and assignments, all that's on the syllabus is play and relaxation. Even just half an hour will make a difference in the mood of the house.

Back-to-school can be stressful no matter what, and this year with all the uncertainty about the future, it can feel even more so. Gottlieb recommends parents keep an eye out for changes in their child's behavior. For example, if they were super talkative before and have become withdrawn, or if they used to be easy going but are now short-tempered. Noticing these behavior changes and having an open dialogue so they know they can talk to you is important. And if they need more help, consider encouraging them to talk to a professional, who they can meet with virtually.

In times of change or stress, such as going back to school, it's important to give your little ones a little extra support. Whether that's through verbal compliments, handwritten notes, or whatever method works best for communicating with your child, Gottlieb emphasizes making sure your child knows "I see you, I hear you, I understand you, and I care." If you're not sure exactly what to say, try out Rice Krispies Treats' Love In Case Of kits which give pointers on times when your child might need a little extra boost, and a sweet treat to go with it.

Your routines and standards may have loosened over the summer, so it’s a good idea discuss with your kids how that will change for the school year, says Julie Ross, executive director of Parenting Horizons. “Bedtime is often moved to an earlier time during the school year. Ask your kids what will help them accomplish this change. Do they need blackout shades? Time within the routine to read and get sleepy?” says Ross. Other topics on the discussion table can be homework schedule and screen time.

“Help your kids set up a play date with other children who will be in their class. That can ease some of that ‘Who will I sit with at lunch? anxiety and generate excitement about the new year,” says Kristen Race, PhD, author of Mindful Parenting. Also, check if your school hosts any events where your child will have an opportunity to meet their teacher.

First, do a sweep of the house to see what essentials may be hiding in a junk drawer or the back of the closet. Then make a list of everything you still need and swing by The Dollar Store for cheap school supplies, suggests Kumiko Love, founder of finance blog The Budget Mom. “A 120-sheet notebook costs $2 compared to $4.20 each for a similar product elsewhere,” says Love. “I’ve seen price markups at big-box stores that range anywhere between 30 to 50%.”

Shopping for supplies solo may be faster, but taking your kids along is the better bet. They'll be more excited about using the cool stuff they get to pick out, says Marcella Moran, PhD, coauthor of Organizing the Disorganized Child. And that's incentive to keep it all organized.

“Children are more likely to thrive, be independent, and struggle less when they know what’s expected of them,” says Francyne Zeltser, Psy.D., a NY-based certified school psychologist and adjunct professor. That’s why she recommends making a weekly schedule that uses pictures, not just words. “A visual schedule helps children easily understand and manage the daily events in their own lives,” says Zeltser. DIY how-to: Attach a drawing or photo of each scheduled activity on an index card, laminate the card, and apply a Velcro sticker. Then add these to a weekly chart where you can post these cards each day.

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“If you've got multiple kids, the activity schedule can be challenging. In my house, we've found it helpful to double up on some days, and then have one day with nothing,” says Laura Vanderkam, author of Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done. “If a child has a challenging long-term homework project, that's a good night to focus on it. It can be a good evening for more spontaneous family adventures, or just to relax if that's what people need. Plus if something gets canceled some other night, you have a spot to reschedule it. Slack makes everything feel more doable!”

Jenny Reimold, lifestyle expert and mom of seven, has had her share of “outfit power battles” before school. “We all don’t coincidentally have budding fashionistas but rather have growing children asserting their independence,” she says. “Allow your child to pick out their clothing for the week on Sunday, and then place each outfit into the spot for the correct day. This gives them a sense of control and helps ease the pain of a stressful morning routine.”

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You don't need to buy a new backpack every year. Get crafty by ironing on colorful patterned patches inside their bag for extra storage. Or add reflective tape with animal and glitter designs to the side to make the bag feel brand new — and safe!

Trae Bodge, Woman's Day's financial expert, says that if last year's trends hold, there will be plenty of sales on fitness shoes and clothes in stores like Macy's, Kohl's, Nordstrom, Nike, REI, and Adidas.

If you promised the little one an iPad for this school year, they're going to have to wait a little longer. According to Bodge, the best deals will come after Apple launches their newest devices in September.

An organized closet cuts down on what-to-wear dilemmas, says Laura Leist, author of Eliminate Chaos: The 10-Step Process to Organize Your Home & Life. Donate outgrown clothes and transform the newly streamlined closet with hanging organizers and clearly labeled shelves.

Whether it's sports or ballet, these programs will keep your kids active with something to do after school.

Avoid forgetting things during the morning rush by telling your child to pack their sports bags and backpacks before bedtime.

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