As summer break fades and the new school year peeks around the corner, back-to-school prep picks up some urgency. School supplies, new shoes, doctor’s appointments, orientation packets — it all stacks up fast.
If you have an Au Pair, that extra set of hands can mean the difference between a chaotic start of the year and one that’s fun and manageable. From setting goals to creating morning routines, we’re discussing how parents and Au Pairs can work together to make back-to-school preparation less overwhelming and maybe even enjoyable.
How to Prepare for the Back-to-School Rush
Whether you have a new kindergartener or a teenager heading to high school, there’s something equally exciting and nerve-wracking about the first day back to school. The secret to avoiding last-minute stress? Planning ahead — and doing it together. Here’s how:
Create a Shopping List
Always start with the basics. Before diving into back-to-school shopping, take a moment to figure out what you need. If the school sent a supply list, use it as a starting point. Then walk through your home and see what you already have on hand. Your Au Pair can help check supplies, organize what’s reusable, and note what you still need to pick up. This way, you’ll save precious time and money while avoiding last-minute dashes to the store.
Donate What You Don’t Need
Back-to-school prep is a great excuse to clear out what you’re no longer using, like that half-filled notebook or those two-sizes-too-small shoes. Sort through supplies and clothes, and team up with your Au Pair to decide what to donate or toss to open up space for the new year ahead.
Get Organized With a Calendar
A calendar, whether it’s online or on paper, gives everyone a clear view of what’s coming up, letting your kids head into the new school year with clear expectations of what’s coming. Map out important dates like holidays, open house, doctor’s appointments, and the first day of school.
Then, use the days left in the summer to plan lunches, organize clothes, and ease into a better sleep routine. Once school starts, your Au Pair can help manage and update the calendar so everyone knows what’s happening and when.
Create a Designated Homework Space
Kids focus better when they have a consistent space to work in, both at school and at home. So, find a quiet spot in your house and turn it into their homework zone. Your Au Pair can help set it up with sharpened pencils, extra paper, and anything else your child uses daily.
Set Back-to-School Goals
One of the best ways for kids to start the school year focused and prepared is to set a few simple goals for the new term. Maybe they want to stay organized, get to the bus on time, or join a new activity.
Your Au Pair can support these goals during the day, help kids track their progress, and keep the momentum going with positive reinforcement.
Create a Morning Routine
This might be our best back-to-school tip of all. Rushing out the door from day one is a quick way to start the school year feeling off balance, not just for kids but for parents, too.
Instead, set a new morning routine as part of your back-to-school prep so you can ease into a groove that gives everyone time to move through the morning without a mad scramble.
Try working with your Au Pair to figure out what needs to happen and when, like wake-up time, breakfast, getting dressed, brushing teeth, and packing bags. It’s a good idea to start practicing all of this a few days in advance.
Pack a Bag For Day 1
A helpful back-to-school ritual that can set the tone for the entire year is to take a few minutes just before the first day to make sure everything is ready.
Your Au Pair can help kids pack their bags with supplies, homework, lunch, and any forms they need to bring to save time in the morning and help everyone start the day feeling calm and prepared.
Choose a Back-to-School Outfit
For kids who don’t wear a uniform, picking out an outfit for the first day can be part of the fun, and a great way to help them feel confident heading into a new school year.
Let them choose something they feel good in, then set it out the night before so there’s no stress in the morning. Your Au Pair can help with this little ritual and make it a moment to look forward to rather than a last-minute rush.
Ace Back-to-School Prep With an Au Pair!
Helping your child prepare to go back to school, both academically and emotionally, can set the stage for a successful year, and having an Au Pair by your side makes it all feel a lot lighter. Easing into morning routines, organizing homework spaces, packing bags beforehand, and cheering on small goals are all easier with someone who knows your family and is part of your daily rhythm.
Want to start the school year strong with the right support? Become a Host Family and find an Au Pair who fits your family like a glove. The result is a smooth, stress-free school year that everyone can enjoy.
