Summer is winding down with just a few short weeks left until the start of the new school year.  Back-to-school time can be hectic and sometimes stressful for both parents and kids. Here are a few ways to make the transition from summer to school a smooth one for your family.

1. Set a bedtime and wake-up routine. During the summer, bedtime and wake-up schedules are often sidelined in favor of staying up late and sleeping in. Go ahead and reset school day bedtime and wake-up times two weeks before school starts. By the time the first day of school arrives, the kids will have already adjusted to the school day sleeping schedule.

2. Visit the school. Many schools will offer an open house a few days before school begins. Open house is a great time to visit your child’s new classroom and meet his or her new teacher. If you can’t make it to open house, try to make some time to pop in one day with your child to visit the school.

3. Connect with friends. Summer often flies by in a whirlwind of vacations and family outings, without much time for scheduling playdates with school friends. In the weeks before school starts, help your child reconnect with classmates by arranging playtime with a few friends.

4. Go shopping. Once you have your child’s school supply list, inventory the school supplies you may already have at home, then make a list of those you need to buy. Check bookbags and lunchboxes to be sure they are usable for another school year. Have your child try on fall clothes, donate those that no longer fit and organize those that do. Add any clothing items needed to your shopping list. Then, take your child on a fun shopping trip to prepare for school.

5. Prepare for homework. If possible, set up a special study area where your child can complete homework without distractions. Talk with your child about making homework a priority and set clear screen time and playtime rules that make plenty of time for homework. Arrange for tutoring if your child will need extra help with homework assignments this year.