Back to School Series Week 2: Plan Routines and Schedules

The start of a new school year isn’t just about fresh notebooks and first-day outfits, it’s about creating a plan that keeps your family on track from the very first morning.
Taking time now to set routines, plan schedules, and get key details sorted will save you from frantic, last-minute scrambles once school begins.

This week in our Back-to-School Tips & Tricks series, we’re helping you lay the groundwork for a stress-free start with four simple planning steps.

1. Map Out Morning & Evening Routines

Sit down as a family and decide what needs to happen each morning and evening. Then assign a time frame to each step. By everyone in the family having input, they are empowered to stick to the routine.

• Morning might look like: Wake up → Breakfast → Get dressed → Brush teeth → Out the door by 8:00

• Evening might include: Homework → Dinner → Next-day prep → Bedtime wind-down → Bed by 8:30

Post these routines somewhere visible so everyone’s on the same page from day one. Start practicing this routine before school starts to ease the transition.

2. Finalize the School Calendar

Enter all known school dates, sports practices, music lessons, and recurring activities into a shared family calendar, whether it’s digital or paper. This is also a great time to proactively schedule check-ups, haircuts, or dentist appointments before the year gets busy.

3. Create a Shopping Checklist

Before you buy anything, take inventory of school supplies, lunch gear, and clothing. Then create a focused shopping list to avoid overspending or forgetting essentials.
Tip: Organize the final list by store and department to make errands faster.

4. Practice “Dry Runs” for Key Transitions

If your child is starting a new school or has a longer commute, try a practice run before the first day. Time the morning routine, walk through pick-up and drop-off spots, and make adjustments while the stakes are low.