Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP
Originally Published August 2019, Reviewed and Updated August 2026
Is your family feeling the excitement of a new school year — or a little bit of dread? Either way, you’re not alone. The back-to-school transition brings a mix of emotions for kids and parents alike.
Here’s the good news: a few intentional steps in the days before school starts can make a significant difference in how smoothly the year kicks off. New pencils and folders are a great start — but the routines and mindset you build at home are what really set your child up for success.
1. Set a Positive Tone
Children are perceptive. Your attitude about the new school year becomes their attitude, too — whether you intend it or not.
Share your excitement about the opportunities ahead. Acknowledge that new things can feel a little nerve-wracking, and let your child know that’s completely normal. Sending a message of confidence — “You’ve got this, and we’re here for you” — helps ease the transition into a new classroom and routine far more than any supply list.
2. Get Organized Before Day One
Having systems that work makes all the difference once the year gets busy.
- Place a family calendar somewhere central and let your child add their own activities — soccer practice, music lessons, playdates
- Designate a consistent spot for backpacks, shoes, and school materials every single day
- Establish a homework spot and homework time that stay the same throughout the week
Consistency and predictability are the keys. The less your child has to think about where things are or what comes next, the more mental energy they have for actual learning.
3. Establish the Routine Before School Starts
Don’t wait until the first day to practice the morning routine. Start at least a week early — wake up at school time, work through the morning steps, and get out the door on a realistic timeline.
Have your child set out their clothes and pack their backpack the night before. This removes two major decision points from the morning and makes a noticeable difference in how smoothly everyone gets out the door.
When everyone has practiced the routine, the first day feels familiar instead of chaotic.
4. Wake Up the Brain
If your child’s brain has been in full summer mode, now is the time to start shifting gears. Begin limiting screen time and reintroducing activities that require focus and thinking — board games, puzzles, reading, drawing, or creative building.
Physical activity matters just as much. Exercise supports attention, mood, and sleep — all of which directly affect how well a child learns. Build movement into the daily routine before school starts so it’s already a habit when the year begins.
5. Keep Communication Open
Talk with your child about how they’re feeling about the new year. Listen without rushing to fix — often, just being heard is enough to ease a child’s worries.
And stay connected with their teacher, especially early in the year. Don’t hesitate to send a quick email to introduce yourself or flag a concern before it becomes a bigger issue. The families who communicate early and often tend to catch challenges sooner — and that makes a real difference.
What If Your Child Is Already Struggling?
If you’re heading into a new school year with concerns about your child’s reading, speech, language, or academic skills — don’t wait to see if things improve on their own. Early support is always more effective than waiting, and a free screening is a low-pressure way to get answers.
Learn more about our speech-language and academic services or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.
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About the Author
Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.
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