Tips for a Smooth Back to School Transition

As summer winds down and the new school year looms, you may be feeling the pressure of shifting routines, earlier bedtimes, and school lunch planning.

For foster families, the back-to-school transition can come with additional layers of complexity. Children in care may be adjusting to a new home, processing trauma, or facing uncertainty about their future, all while experiencing anxiety about entering a new classroom.

Back-to-school season is a great opportunity to create routines that not only set children up for academic success, but also support their emotional regulation, build a sense of safety, and promote healthy habits.

Here are some practical tips from Director of Kansas Outpatient Services David Irwin to help foster parents support their children during this transition and set the tone for a grounded, supportive school year.

1. Ease Into New Routines Early

Summer often brings looser schedules, flexible bedtimes, and lots of unstructured fun. Rather than jumping into a rigid routine the day before school starts, begin adjusting schedules gradually a few weeks before school starts.

Here a few tips:

• Start with bedtime. Child development expert Fayth Kelgord tells us she suggests moving bedtime earlier by 15-20 minutes every few days until you’re at your goal bedtime.
• Shift wake-up time gradually to align with school mornings.
• Practice morning routines like getting dressed, brushing teeth, and packing a bag. This is especially important for younger kids or those who thrive on structure. Consider posting a visual schedule or checklist to help them know what to expect each day. You can even buy pre-made versions of these.

2. Revisit Sleep and Nutrition Habits

Good sleep and nutrition are essential for a successful school year, but summers often involve late nights, irregular meals, and more sugary snacks.

Here are a few tips to get back on track:

• Reinforce a calming bedtime routine: baths, story time, soft music, or guided meditation can help with transitions, especially for kids with anxiety or trauma histories.
• Reintroduce regular meal and snack times if your schedule has gotten erratic over the summer, try to serve balanced meals with proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Limit sugar and caffeine in the afternoons and evenings to help with sleep quality.

3. Create a Calm Morning Environment

Mornings can be a major stress point for kids, especially if they’re rushed. Try to make the morning as predictable and peaceful as possible.

You can:

• Pack bags and lay out clothes the night before.
• Keep breakfast simple and consistent (think instant oatmeal, a banana and yoghurt, Costo microwavable egg cups, etc).
• Build in extra time so mornings don’t feel frantic.
• Consider offering small choices (such as “Do you want to wear your blue shirt or red one today?”). Evidence shows giving kids choices helps them feel empowered and in control.

4. Work With the School Ahead of Time

If possible, connect with your child’s teacher, school counselor, or caseworker before the first day. Share anything that might help your child succeed: IEPs, 504 plans, behavioral strategies, or emotional triggers. Having a support team in place can make a big difference.

You may want to ask about:

• School supplies your child will need
• Transportation and pick-up logistics
• Access to counseling or special education services
• Opportunities for after-school programs or tutoring
• If your child is new to the school, consider asking for a tour or a chance to meet the teacher before classes start.

Read more about preparing for the first day here.

5. Talk About School and Give Time to Decompress

Children in foster care may have mixed emotions about starting school, especially if they’re changing schools, repeating a grade, or feeling behind academically or socially. Create opportunities for open dialogue where they can share worries, questions, or excitement.

You might ask:

• “How are you feeling about school starting?”
• “Is there anything you’re nervous about?”
• “What’s something you’re looking forward to?”

Be prepared for kids to express ambivalence, fear, or even anger. Normalize their feelings and let them know you’ll be there every step of the way.

Back-to-school can be overstimulating, especially in the first few weeks. Give kids space to decompress after school whether it’s quiet time in their room, a walk together, or some time on the couch with a snack and no questions.

Make it a habit to check in emotionally, not just about grades or behavior, but how they feel about their day. Try:

• “What was the best part of today?”
• “Was anything hard today?”
• “Did anything make you laugh today?”
• “What’s something you’d like to do differently tomorrow?”

These check-ins can help foster trust and give insight into what’s going on beneath the surface. Here’s a list of more questions you can ask your child besides “how was your day?”

6. Celebrate the Small Wins

Not every child will start the school year with straight A’s and perfect behavior and that’s okay.

Did your child get out the door on time? Ask for help from a teacher? Make a new friend? Celebrate those wins!

For kids in foster care, a new school year is a chance to build stability, confidence, and connection in a new, structured environment. And for foster parents, it’s an opportunity to deepen your relationship with your child and help them thrive.

Start small. Stay consistent. And good luck this year!