There are simple and easy things you can do to get your child ready for back-to-school that will also help them perform better in their classes.

“Holy cow! Is it really the end of August already!? What do you mean school starts next week?” Do you find yourself saying these things every year? Well, we’ve got some tips that will help you avoid that last minute rush to get ready for back-to-school.

There are simple things you can do to get your child ready for back-to-school that will also help them perform better in their classes. It’s important to start your preparations with enough time to ease into the routine of school. These alleviate the pressure you feel during the last week.

Get Your Kids Psyched!

The more excited they are about going back-to-school, the easier your job will be. You can even incorporate important events like school shopping day, craft projects, or going to the library to get a book to read for the school year.

No More Late Nights

Summer usually means staying up later than normal and sleeping in. Help ease the transition back to early mornings by setting back bedtime in small increments until it’s back where you want it. Setting it back slowly will make early school hours easier to handle.

Ready For Learning

Create a specific place in the house for students to do homework, whether it’s at the kitchen table or in a room, and make sure there’s plenty of light and that it’s free from distractions. Each kid is different, so having a set time to do homework may not always work, but be firm with reminders and it will help establish a routine.

Schedule It

Before the year begins, figure out who will drop-off and pick-up your child each day and keep a calendar to remind yourself of after-school activities and special events. If your child needs help with homework or school projects, set aside library time or sign up for after-school tutoring. And be sure to keep an open dialogue with your child’s teacher so there won’t be any surprises about work expectations.

Be Prepared

Be sure to have all the emergency cards and contact forms filled out by the time school starts. Set aside some time one morning before school begins and have your children help fill you them in. Having your kids help in the preparation for back-to-school can help with the stress and also help them learn some of the basic things they should know in case of emergencies. Helping them learn about things like their new teachers’ names, what grade they’re going into, and what school they go to, helps get them excited about the coming year.