If you’re looking for back-to-school advice, you’ve come to the right place. A new school year is one of the most stressful times for parents. From shopping for supplies to juggling carpools and packing lunches, you’re somehow expected to fit it all into an already jam-packed schedule. Needless to say, a few handy back-to-school hacks can make life a lot easier.
To give you a head start, we’ve put together a list of our top fifteen back-to-school tips for parents who want to feel like a boss this school year.
Psst: Au Pairs are the #1 back-to-school secret! Not only can they help with driving, doing the kids’ laundry, and caring for any little ones who aren’t in school yet, they can also take the lead on many of these back-to-school hacks.
The Best Back-to-School Tips for Parents
1. Establish Before & After School Routines
One of the most powerful back-to-school tips is a simple one: own the mornings by creating a clear and consistent routine for the entire family. A predictable structure helps children feel secure and minimizes resistance during transitions.
Your Au Pair can help with back-to-school prep if you walk them through the paces in advance. Try using a printable morning routine chart so your Au Pair and children have a visual guide. Before long, the routine will become second nature.
2. Create an Entryway Command Center
An organized entryway system will help you keep track of communications and paperwork. A magnetic whiteboard, bulletin board, or small shelf can hold essential documents, notes, and school planner items.
This is especially helpful for your Au Pair, who can reference important updates like permission slips or school activities. While you’re at it, share a digital calendar, like Google Calendar, to ensure everyone is on the same page.
3. Set Homework Time
Establish a distraction-free workspace and schedule dedicated study time to help your child stay focused. Work with your Au Pair to stock a homework station with school supplies, including pencils, highlighters, and scissors. A tri-fold board can provide some privacy and reduce distractions.
You can even designate a set time for homework to establish healthy habits that encourage academic success and improved test scores.
4. Plan Assembly-Line Lunches
Set up an assembly line with labeled bins for snacks, fruit, drinks, and main meals to speed up lunch packing. Your Au Pair can be a huge help by prepping ingredients or assembling your child’s lunch each day.
Also, involving your children in this routine can teach responsibility and ensure they choose from parent-approved options. This way, you know they’re eating well and getting used to a healthy lifestyle.
5. Lay Outfits Out in Advance
Choose outfits at the beginning of the week to eliminate morning debates about clothes. Use a hanging organizer with compartments labeled Monday through Friday.
If your Au Pair handles laundry, they can help prep outfits with your guidance. Additionally, if your child is older, laying out outfits is one of the best back-to-school tips for students to learn some independent life skills.
This small step can greatly ease the early morning rush and give your children autonomy, all while reducing wardrobe battles.
6. Save Yourself Some Driving Time
Au Pairs can make your life much easier by helping with drop-offs, pick-ups, and shuttling kids to sports or extracurricular activities. With an Au Pair in your home, two or three kids can be in two or three places at once — even if you can’t!
Many families with multiple children find this kind of support essential, especially once school starts and schedules get complicated.
7. Pack Backpacks the Night Before
Mornings are much smoother when everything is ready the night before. Have your children pack their backpacks before bed, with help from your Au Pair if needed. Double-check that homework, signed papers, and necessary school supplies are inside.
This proactive step prevents morning stress and teaches kids the importance of spending time wisely and staying organized.
8. Establish a Technology Curfew
To help kids stay alert during school hours, enforce a “no screens after ___” policy on school nights. This will ensure they get enough sleep, which supports focus, mood, and learning. Your Au Pair can be your ace-in-the-hole for enforcing this rule and recommending non-screen activities like reading or quiet crafts.
Try setting tech devices to charge overnight outside the bedroom to minimize distractions.
9. Prep Healthy Breakfast Options
A nutritious breakfast is essential for your child’s physical and mental performance. Create a weekly breakfast menu with simple, healthy options. Pre-make grab-and-go items like hard-boiled eggs, yogurt parfaits, or overnight oats.
Your Au Pair can pitch in by handling prep or serving breakfast on busy mornings. It’s a great way to set a positive tone for the day.
10. Connect With Your Child Emotionally
Back-to-school transitions can stir up a child’s feelings of nervousness, especially if they’re attending a new school. Build in time each day to talk and ask open-ended questions about their experiences.
Your Au Pair, who likely spends hours daily with your children, can be a trusted emotional support. Encourage them to check in with your child during snack time or as they leave the school building together.
11. Tour the School Early
Before the school year starts, visit the campus together to reduce first-day jitters. Show your child where the classroom, bathroom, and cafeteria are located. Familiarity builds confidence, especially for those attending school for the first time at a young age.
Your Au Pair can join the tour, too, which helps them support your child more effectively throughout the day.
12. Build a Sleep Schedule Early
Don’t wait until the first day of school to start waking up early. A few weeks in advance, begin adjusting your child’s bedtime and wake-up schedule. An Au Pair can help ease into this routine by starting quiet time earlier in the evening and waking children at consistent times.
Good sleep habits are foundational to academic performance and overall well-being.
13. Label Everything
Whether it’s jackets, lunchboxes, or school notebooks, they all need clear and obvious labels. Lost items don’t have to be a part of the school experience. Simply making sure every item has your child’s name on it greatly reduces the chances of losing that new jacket or backpack.
Your Au Pair could be very helpful with this during downtime in the first week of school prep. Labeled items also make it easier for teachers or the school nurse to return items to their rightful owners.
14. Encourage After-School Downtime
School can be overwhelming, especially for kids managing classmates, group projects, and extracurriculars. Build in time to decompress. Your Au Pair can lead your child through calming activities like reading, listening to music, or even light outdoor play.
Just 20 minutes of downtime can be a huge help in transitioning kids from school mode to home life, allowing them to reset before dinner or homework.
15. Keep Communication Open With Teachers
Strong communication between parents, Au Pairs, and educators ensures your child gets the support they need during elementary school years — and beyond. Whether it’s about a particular subject your child struggles with or updates on their behavior in class, staying in the loop is key.
Your Au Pair can be instrumental in this process. They can help relay information between you and your child’s teacher, attend school meetings with you when appropriate, and help reinforce educational goals at home. Use tools like weekly planners, apps, or teacher portals to stay informed and connected.
Ready to Implement Some of These Back-To-School Tips?
Even if you already have the school scramble down pat, keeping a few back-to-school hacks up your sleeve can be a lifesaver. Work with your Au Pair and other family members to implement some of these hacks.
If you’re new here, you can start your journey with Go Au Pair today. Find an Au Pair now and make this school year smoother for your whole family!
