Tips & Tricks to Manage Back to School

Get Back Into The Grove

Parents should try to establish routines early. Consider adjusting sleep schedules a few weeks before school begins by gradually moving wake-up times closer to school departure times, and shift bedtimes to match. This helps young people adapt to the new schedule, arrive at school rested and ready, and may also make those first few mornings less challenging for everyone.

Consistent, calming bedtime routines are a good idea for all ages, whether that means taking a bath or reading a book. While we know that blue light and brain stimulation from electronic devices can interfere with sleep patterns, it can be a battle to separate teens from screens. Some families are committing to a "technology curfew," ideally 1–2 hours before bedtime, when all devices are turned off or put away. Designate a central location, like the kitchen or office, and create a charging station where family members charge their devices overnight. If you need your phone nearby for emergencies, use “Do Not Disturb” mode, and mark favorites who can still reach you with a phone call when it’s urgent.

…Ready for it?

Good organization at the start can be key to building successful study habits that stick. Help your student set up a dedicated homework station that fits their unique learning style. If a common space in your home works best, consider a transportable bin to make setup and cleanup a breeze. Your school or district website will typically share a supply list, so let your student shop for the items they need and a few fun items for their homework station. A sloth tape dispenser is a small price to pay for harmony with homework.

The Louisville Free Public Library offers free homework help and tutoring services, which can be a valuable resource throughout the school year.

A family calendar to keep track of important dates, assignments, and extracurricular activities can keep everyone informed, whether it’s a physical calendar in a central location at home or a shared digital calendar that all family members can access. Choose Google, Apple, Cozi, Family Wall, or another system you may already be familiar with from work like Trello, Monday, or Asana. However you choose to track, a weekly meeting to sync can be a game changer. Bookmark the online calendars for your schools and have them handy at the start of the sync. Then, set a timer for 15 minutes, and ask everyone for total focus to complete the sync in the allotted time. You may need to adapt the time to the size of your family and complexity of your commitments. If the sync is quick, you’re less likely to get grumbling when the time comes each week.

Confident

Foster independence by letting each kid pack their own backpack, which should have its own space within your home where it resides when not actively in use.

Kids of all ages can help set out their clothes for the next day. Be sure to check the school’s dress code and do a closet query.

Gamify grocery shopping by encouraging kids and teens to choose nutritious, portable snacks. Consider exploring the farm-to-table movement in Louisville. Many local farmers' markets offer fresh, seasonal produce that can be incorporated into school lunches.

The Paris Olympics can be a great opportunity to talk about nutrition and performance. Teens can research their favorite athletes to learn more about their training regimens including nutrition plans. Encourage them to explore recipes and read labels to better understand how food fuels their learning, concentration, and the extracurricular activities where they want to shine. They can pack their own lunches to their unique tastes, or you can review the cafeteria menu together for the best options.

Wanna be Startin’ Somethin’

If your student is starting at a new school, consider practicing the route to school or the bus stop. For those attending Louisville public schools, you can find bus route information on the JCPS website. Ease first-day jitters by visiting the school before classes start. Many Louisville schools offer orientation days or meet-the-teacher events. Take advantage of these opportunities to get familiar with the new environment.

It's natural for children to feel anxious about starting a new school year. Encourage open communication about their fears and concerns, perhaps while taking a walk or driving. Share your own school experiences and the strategies you used to overcome challenges. If your child is particularly anxious, consider reaching out to their teacher or school counselor for additional support.

Safe & Sound

Do not wait to schedule any necessary health check-ups, including vision tests and required immunizations. Appointments for sports physicals are easily overlooked during summertime fun, but if your provider can’t see you immediately, it could delay your child’s participation. Don’t delay! Your student athlete should have a physical before the start of the school year.

If your child walks to school or takes the bus, review safety rules. Your child and all adults who help with care before and after school should know the transportation plan and be appropriately listed or credentialed in order to pick up the child at school when needed.

Even if you have no school-aged kids at home, the start of the school year can easily double the time you’re spending in the car if you commute. Bus routes and start times are available on school websites, and online map tools can help you adapt your driving route or shift your departure time for efficient transit. And for the sake of our community, please use additional caution to keep everyone safe.

We Are Family

Parental involvement is crucial to a student’s academic success. Find out how to get involved with a Parent/Teacher group (PTA/PTO), attend school events, and maintain open communication with teachers. Nearly all Louisville schools use online portals or apps to keep parents informed about their child's individual progress and school activities.

Keep it Light (Jack Harlow)

The first day of school for students this fall is Thursday, August 8 for Jefferson County Public Schools and most parochial schools in Louisville. No matter how perfect your pre-game, experienced parents know that once school starts, there are forms to fill out and return, fees to pay, and additional supplies to procure. Remember that flexibility and patience are key. Every child adapts differently to new routines and challenges. By embracing preparation and staying attuned to your child's needs, you can help ensure a productive and positive school year for the whole family.

Louisville offers exceptional educational opportunities for K-12 students, and we wish you all a successful school year ahead. If you're considering a move for better access to schools, work, family, or fun, call on us. We’d be thrilled to assist in your transition.

Enjoy a playlist of these songs and others to enjoy whether on your commute or your carpool: Back to School Playlist (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2jeiqq38xmYf2htXDBE2Sl?si=302bc0eab0dd4cb7&nd=1&dlsi=2108c419f3e14db2)