Stress-Free Back-to-School Tips for Parents

published August 26, 2026

As a stepmom to two high school boys, I know firsthand that the transition from summer to the school year can feel like a whirlwind. Between squeezing in one last family vacation, preparing for hockey season, shopping for school supplies, and adjusting to new routines, the first few weeks of school can be stressful for both parents and students.

Over the years, I've learned that a little preparation can go a long way. Here are some simple tips that can help make the back-to-school season feel a little more organized and less stressful.

1. Start Adjusting Sleep Schedules Early

One of the biggest challenges when school starts is getting everyone out of bed on time. During the summer, later bedtimes and sleeping in can become the norm, especially for teenagers.

About two weeks before school starts, begin gradually shifting bedtimes and wake-up times closer to the school-year schedule. Even adjusting by 15 to 30 minutes every few days can make those early mornings much easier when the first day arrives.

Studies show that well-rested students are better able to focus, retain more information, and perform well in the classroom, compared to their more sleep-deprived peers.¹

2. Check Backpacks Before the First Day

Don't wait until the night before school starts to discover a broken zipper or missing supplies.

Take time to go through backpacks, lunch bags, water bottles, calculators, chargers, and any other essentials. Replace or repair anything that won't make it through another school year. In our house, that also means checking hockey gear before practices begin.

Creating a designated spot at home for backpacks, shoes, and school supplies can also help reduce the morning scramble once the school year begins.

3. Have a Transportation Plan

Whether your student rides the bus, drives, carpools, or gets dropped off, it's important to discuss transportation plans before the first day of school.

Make sure everyone knows pickup and drop-off times, locations, and any contingency plans if schedules change. High school students often have varying schedules due to athletics, clubs, jobs, and other commitments, so having a clear plan can help prevent confusion and last-minute stress.

4. Put Extracurricular Activities on the Calendar

One of the busiest parts of the school year is keeping track of extracurricular activities. Before school starts, gather schedules for sports practices, games, band concerts, club meetings, volunteer commitments, and any other activities your child plans to participate in. Then add everything to a shared family calendar. Our family relies on Google Calendar to keep everyone on the same page.

Having important dates visible to the entire family helps everyone stay organized and prevents scheduling conflicts. It also allows you to plan ahead for busy weeks and special events.

5. Use This Time to Do Your Own Homework: Saving for College

While students are preparing to head back to the classroom, parents have some homework of their own to consider, especially when it comes to their child’s future education expenses.

Back-to-school season is a natural reminder that every school year brings students closer to their next educational step, whether that's a four-year college, technical college, apprenticeship, trade school, certificate program, or another education or training path. Even if your child is already in high school, it's never too late to take a fresh look at your college savings strategy.

That's where the Edvest 529 College Savings Plan can help.

An Edvest 529 account offers a tax-advantaged way to save for future education expenses, helping families prepare for education costs while giving their savings the potential to grow over time. While starting early provides the greatest opportunity for long-term growth, every contribution can help reduce the cost of future education. Small, consistent deposits can add up overtime and help families feel more prepared for whatever path their student chooses.

As parents, we spend a lot of time helping our children prepare for the next school year. Taking a few moments to review your education savings goals can be just as important as checking the school supply list or planning transportation.

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school season doesn't have to be overwhelming. By adjusting sleep schedules early, checking supplies, planning transportation, organizing extracurricular activities, and reviewing your college savings plan, you can help set your family up for a successful year ahead.

Here's to a smooth transition, a great school year, and investing in your child’s future every step of the way.

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Footnotes

1. ¹Source: https://www.scholarsed.com/the-link-between-sleep-school-success-are-you-getting-enough/↩
2. To learn more about Wisconsin's Edvest 529 College Savings Plan, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses, see the Plan Description at Edvest.com before investing. Read it carefully. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. Consult your legal or tax professional for tax advice. Prior to investing, check with your home state to learn if it offers tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds or protection from creditors for investing in its own 529 plan. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributor and underwriter for the Edvest 529 College Savings Plan.
3. Withdrawals for registered apprenticeship programs and recognized Postsecondary Credentialing Programs—including tuition, books, equipment, supplies for the enrollment or attendance, testing fees if required to obtain or maintain a Recognized Postsecondary Credential, fees for continuing education if required to maintain an RP Credential and therapies for students with disabilities—are exempt from federal and Wisconsin income tax. If you are not a Wisconsin taxpayer, these withdrawals may include recapture of tax deduction, state income tax as well as penalties. Consult a tax professional for guidance.
4. Apprenticeship programs must be registered and certified with the Secretary of Labor under the National Apprenticeship Act.

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