Back to School Tips: How to Transition Your Child into the School Routine

It’s that time of year again guys (fellow dishevelled parents) - the one that started with week 1 promises of keeping to the usual ‘routine’, planning healthy snack boxes, making sure you keep up with the reading, timetables and minimal screen time. Fast-forward six weeks and you’re picking crisp packets off the sofa while your child is still in PJs at 11am, having gone to bed at… well, let’s not talk about that.

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Yes, it’s the end of the summer holidays and you’ve got a miracle to perform in transitioning your child back into the school routine and back into their school uniform. Let’s get started shall we?

If you’re anything like me, you might be wondering how on earth this happened, (whilst simultaneously planning your next coffee and wondering how early ‘gin o’clock’ can legally be).

Let me help you out a little though, in reminding you that parenting is HARD. No one is perfect, not me, not you, and definitely not our children who basically just want to play, have fun for as many hours as humanly possible and squirrel away as many sweets and snacks as they can manage. First things first:


Have you bought their school uniforms yet??

 

Step One: Check the School Uniform Situation

Let’s be honest, That last day of term reminder from the school office was just a bit too soon wasn’t it? Plus, who knows what size their feet might be 6 weeks later?!

The good news: government guidance now says you don’t need to buy everything with a logo. Even better, you can still order online in time for the start of term.

I’ve just done my emergency ‘please fit’ uniform order from Very.co.uk who thankfully still had everything I needed in their size AND delivered it within 3 days, which brings me onto my next helpful tip…

Practise Trying on the Uniform

Do not - I repeat, do not - make my past mistake and leave it until the first day of school to discover trousers don’t fit or school shoes slip off. Sometimes it’s not about size at all, but just getting kids used to the feeling of a uniform again after a summer of joggers and football kits. A quick try-on avoids morning meltdowns.

Pack Bags the Night Before

The first school morning will already be chaos. Save yourself the stress:

• Pack school bags the night before.

• Let children help with their lunchbox- taking ownership of some of the food choices.

• Add in something fun - new stationery, a keyring or even a new bag to make it more exciting.

 

Create a Home for School Essentials

Cut down on manic mornings and after school clutter by creating a space for school bags and school shoes to live. Shoes, bags, PE kits… they all need a permanent home. Whether that’s a basket by the door, a cupboard, or a dedicated peg, having a “school zone” saves the frantic morning hunt.

Ease Back Into Bedtime

If your summer routine has been later nights and lie-ins (no judgement), start shifting the clock gradually. Move bedtime and wake-up time earlier in small steps so that by the first day, their body clocks are back on school mode. Pro tip: don’t be afraid to wake them up early even if they didn’t settle the night before. They’ll adjust.

Do a Practice School Run

Sounds unnecessary, but trust me: after six weeks of slow mornings, it helps. A quick practice walk, scoot or cycle to school resets expectations and gives you a realistic idea of how long it will take on the big day.

Plan Something Fun After School

Back-to-school is a big transition. Having a reward or treat at the end of the first day (or week) can really help. This could be:

• A play in the park

• A trip to the sweet shop

• A favourite dinner

Everyone needs something to look forward to, and for children, getting through the first day (or even week) of the return to school can be eased by knowing there is something exciting to look forward to at the end of it.


 

Tackle Back-to-School Worries

If your child feels nervous, create space for them to talk it through. Depending on your child, ideas include:

• A calm chat before bed (not at bedtime)

• A “message book” where they write down worries and you reply overnight

• Talking about the fun parts of school like friends, playtime or favourite subjects

Start an After-School Debrief

Make it a routine to chat about the day around the table, or snuggled on the sofa. Start by modelling with your own day before asking them. Good prompts include:

• “What was the funniest thing that happened today?”

• “What was tricky today?”

• “Who did you feel proud of today?”

 

Finally,

Remind Them About Friends

A big part of school is seeing friends every day again. Look at old school photos, chat about who they’ll play with at break, or wonder together about new classmates who might be feeling nervous. It helps shift focus onto the positive, social side of school.

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school doesn’t have to be stressful. A few simple steps - from easing bedtime, to a quick uniform check, to planning something fun afterwards can make all the difference.

And if you’re still staring at the growing-out-of-everything pile, don’t panic. Very’s school uniform range has affordable, practical options in stock, with fast delivery. Because let’s face it September waits for no parent.

Wondering how to make the most of their school uniform and cut down on extra washing? Have a read of our previous post on uniform ideas for school and home.

Is your child starting school for the first time? Have a read of my starting school poem here (tissues ready!) or my post on preparing your child for Reception class here.