As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, it can be easy to get stressed out. Back to school preparation can be hectic and stressful with school supplies to purchase, schedules to coordinate, and getting back into home routines like school night bedtimes. Below are fourt tips to help you keep your cool during this year’s back to school transition.

1. Start a nighttime routine. Summer is a time when things like bedtimes can get a little relaxed. Without the need to rise and shine for school the next day, staying up a little late is common in the summer. But after months of late bedtimes and sleeping in, it can be difficult for you and your children to get back into the school week routine. Setting up a nighttime schedule can help in getting organized for back to school. In fact, starting the routine a week or so before school actually starts can help get you and your kids used to the new schedule and prepared for when school does start again.
2. Pack lunches and get backpacks ready ahead of time. School mornings are often chaotic with trying to catch the bus, packing backpacks, and finding that stubborn left shoe. By packing your children’s school lunches and getting the backpacks ready the night before, you will be able to do it without being rushed and will save yourself some stress by having one less thing to worry about in the morning.
3. Delegate. As your children grow older, it is a good idea to let them take on some responsibility for household tasks. One of these could be having them pack their own lunches the night before, having them pick out their outfit the night before, or having them take over some household chores such as taking out the garbage or doing the dishes. Not only will these tasks help your children learn responsibility, but it will help ease your stress by having fewer tasks to manage.
4. Plan some down time. It doesn’t have to be a lot of time, but even just fifteen minutes to yourself can feel like hours when you’re stressed. Set your alarm for fifteen minutes earlier than the rest of the house so you can enjoy some quiet time and a cup of coffee before the day gets going. Or allow yourself a few minutes of reading or watching TV once everyone is tucked in at night. As a parent, you are constantly taking care of everyone else, and it’s important that you remember to slow down and take care of yourself too.

How do you manage back to school stress? Do you have a method that works well for you? If so, please share it with us in the comments section.