The essential back-to-school checklist

If your kids have been sleeping in and enjoying later bedtimes during the summer, it's a good idea to get them back into the swing of school sooner rather than later. About two weeks before school starts, start heading to bed (and waking up!) earlier to prevent added stress in that first week. 

Once you've bought everything on that lengthy list of school supplies, grab a few extra of commonly used supplies like notebook paper and crayons to stash for the months ahead. You'll be able to skip a few trips to the store and prevent any last-minute meltdowns when your kid inevitably runs out of the things they need. 

Before heading out to buy school supplies, take stock of what you've already got, especially when it comes to items like school clothes and reusable supplies like binders and folders. Just make sure that any leftover supplies meet the requirements on your child's list. 

Backpacks can be a serious pain point for kids — literally — and it's important to make sure your child has the right one. If you're planning to reuse last year's backpack, give it a once-over to make sure that the straps are still secure, there are no rips or holes, and that it's still the right size for your growing child. 

Many kids like a little variety in their lunch box, and that's a lot less stressful if you start planning early. Use sites like Pinterest to seek out fun bento box ideas, easy lunch options that can be prepped in advance, and DIY snacks that you can prepare to make the first week a little more special. 

Before it's time for your kid to start studying again, you'll want to make sure they've got a space that's conducive to learning — and comfortable. Make sure your child's desk is clean and fully stocked with the supplies they'll need, and consider setting up a cozy space for reading in advance of the big day. Even a corner outfitted with comfy pillows will do!

Heading to a new school can be overwhelming, but it's a little bit easier to handle if you've given your child a little time to acclimate before the first day. Take your child to visit their new school before it begins, allowing for the opportunity to find the new classroom, check out the new locker, and more.

If you're able, setting up playdates with your child's new classmates before school starts can help ease first-day jitters. Plan for an afternoon in the park or host a pre-school party at your home to help your child make friends well before the first bell of the year rings. 

It takes a little planning at first, but keeping a detailed calendar of your family's activities, appointments, and schedules can seriously minimize stress. Use a big dry-erase calendar in the kitchen if that's what works best for you, or consider a shared virtual calendar that the entire family can access on their smartphones. 

Pretty much every kid comes home from school hungry, so you'll want to have plenty of snacks on hand before the big day. Stock your fridge with pre-cut bags of veggies like carrot sticks and celery, dips like hummus and salsa, and other favorites like cheese cubes and drinkable yogurt to keep post-school snacking on the healthy side. 

There are tons of easy breakfast options that can be prepared well in advance, like frozen breakfast sandwiches or burritos, and then tossed into the toaster or microwave before you head out the door. Spend a Sunday making a bunch, then wrap individually with foil or parchment paper and store inside a plastic bag. (Pro-tip: writing reheating instructions on the outside can be helpful for forgetful kids.) 

Before your child heads off to school, it's a good idea to run through important safety information with them just in case of an emergency. Make sure they know how to call 911, know their emergency contact information (or stick it inside their backpack), and how to stay safe in the carpool line. 

If your kids have been slacking off this summer, back-to-school is a good opportunity to get them back into a chore routine. Use a chore chart to assign after-school chores according to your child's age and abilities, and plan rewards for a month (or week!) of completed chores. 

Before your child heads back to school, take some time to chat with them about their goals for the new year. Maybe they're looking to win the science fair, or trying to read a lot of new books. Write these goals down, and keep an eye on their progress as they make their way to accomplishing them so you can reward that behavior. 

Between backpacks, shoes, and sports equipment, kids have a lot of stuff. If you've got space in your entryway or living room, set aside a designated spot with hooks and cubbies for kids to hang their backpacks and store their essentials instead of having them strewn across your house. 

The first week of school is often stressful for little ones, and if your child's been struggling, having a fun activity to look forward to at the end of the week can be very motivational. Plan a trip to your favorite children's museum or playdate at the park to help keep your child focused during that first week. 

No matter the age of your child, there's often plenty of drama over what they'll wear to school. If your child is young enough, take some time before school starts to plan the first week of clothes in advance on your own. If they're older, ask them to pick out their own ensembles and store their shirts, shoes, socks and jeans together so they're easy to grab before school. 

Meeting the teacher can help assuage any pre-school jitters for both parents and kids. Call your school to find out when they're planning meet-the-teacher night, and use that as an opportunity to help familiarize your child with their new school and what's to come as the school year approaches. 

Schools are often underfunded and understaffed, and parent volunteers can be instrumental in helping close those gaps. Connect with your school's administrators, PTA, or even your child's teacher to find out how you can get involved at a level that fits your schedule, whether that's simply signing up to bring snacks once a month, reading to little ones, or taking on the work of serving as "room mom." 

It might sound cheesy, but first-day-of-school photos are cherished memories, especially if you manage to snap one from kindergarten to senior year. If you really want to minimize the first-day stress, take your photo the day before your kids head to school — no one will know, and you won't have to stop your busy morning routine to get the perfect shot!