The one checklist that saves me hours before school starts. Every August I used to feel like I was carrying the entire mental load of getting everyone ready for school. Then I stopped trying to do it all myself.
Now each of my kids gets their own Before School Starts Checklist. Some need more support than others (and that’s completely okay!), but every child can take ownership of something.
As a former principal (and now a mom of three), I’ve learned that preparing kids emotionally is just as important as buying the school supplies. The conversations, the routines, and the little moments together matter just as much as what’s inside their backpack.
As a former principal, these are the skills I saw help children navigate the school day with more confidence. But I also want to be clear about something…
This isn’t a checklist that every child should have mastered before the first day of school. Every child develops these skills at their own pace. Some children will need more time, more support, or accommodations—and that’s okay.
As we prepare for back to school, we are also getting our desks set up for homework stations. This cutie little lamp makes the perfect desk addition for a cozy homework environment.
As a former elementary principal, one thing I noticed every year was that the smoothest first weeks belonged to families who practiced before school actually started.
Three days before school begins:
Set bedtime and wake-up times.
Eat breakfast at the same time you’ll eat on school mornings.
Have kids get dressed before breakfast.
Pack backpacks the night before.
Do one “practice run” to school if your routine or school is changing.
The first morning should feel familiar, not like the first rehearsal.
As a way to say thank you for being a subscriber- you have early access to my Back to School Planner printable (I’ll be sharing more about how we use it later this week on insta)! I appreciate you being here!
Have a great week!
Stephanie
Helping busy moms enjoy motherhood through simple routines, practical parenting tips, and everyday systems that work.
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