Written by: Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, Founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center
Originally Published: August 8, 2019 | Updated: August 31, 2026
Is your child prepared for the school year to begin? Does your house have a feeling of excitement, or more of an undercurrent of dread? Getting the school supply list checked off is only a small part of helping your family start the school year off right. The routines you build at home now are what really set your child up for a strong start. Here are five tips to help your family begin this school year on the right foot.
5 Ways to Start the School Year Off Right
1. Set a Positive Tone
Kids are perceptive, and your attitude about the new school year tends to become their attitude too. Share your genuine excitement about the opportunities ahead. A message of confidence and competence goes a long way toward easing the transition into a new classroom and routine.
2. Be Organized
Systems that keep your family organized make a real difference. Put a family calendar somewhere central, and let your kids take an active role by adding their own schedule items too, soccer practice, music lessons, birthday parties. Choose a consistent spot for everything: backpacks and shoes in the same place every day, and a homework spot and time that stays the same. Predictability is the key ingredient here.
3. Establish a Schedule and Routine
By the first day of school, your family should already be well into your “school year routine.” Have your child set out their clothes the night before. Trade the lazy summer mornings for practicing the real get-ready-and-out-the-door routine before the school bus actually shows up.
According to the Child Mind Institute, starting this shift before school begins, with clear, step-by-step expectations and specific praise along the way, makes the actual transition noticeably smoother for kids. If everyone knows what to expect and has practiced for a week or so beforehand, the first day (and every day after) goes a lot easier.
4. Challenge the Mind
If your child took a break from learning over the summer, now’s the time to power the brain back up. Start scaling back screen time, and bring in games that are fun but make everyone think, board games, puzzles, card games, brain teasers. It’s a great way to keep minds active while also carving out real family time together.
5. Communicate
Keep every line of communication open. Talk with your child, and truly listen to their concerns and worries. Validating their feelings, just by listening, often eases fears and lets your child know you’re in their corner. Communicating with your child’s teacher matters too. Don’t hesitate to send an email with a question or concern, or even just a quick note to introduce yourself.
When Should I Seek Help?
If your family works through these five tips, you’ll be setting a strong foundation for a positive school year. We want every child to have a great school experience and grow to love learning. If your child is struggling, don’t “wait it out.” Being proactive and giving them the right tools early makes a real difference. At Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center, we offer free screenings across all of our services, speech, language, writing, math, and dyslexia, at our offices in North Liberty and the Des Moines metro. Contact us if you’d like to talk through how we can help.
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