Here are Your Tips for Managing Back-to-School Anxiety!
A Note from Sunni
Hey friend, Sunni here! Before we jump into today’s post, I want you to know that I didn’t write this special Tips for Managing Back-to-School Anxiety piece. It’s written by one of our incredible team members, Hannah Baerwalde. Hannah brings so much heart, authenticity, and lived experience as a mom, and I knew she was the perfect person to speak into the back-to-school season.
Her words are encouraging, relatable, and rooted in exactly what Simply Sunni stands for: helping others feel seen, supported, and a little more ready for whatever life throws their way.
Here at Simply Sunni, we love showcasing our team’s voices and stories through guest blogs like this one. Why? Because community matters. We believe wisdom comes in many forms, and sometimes the most powerful encouragement comes from someone walking the same road you’re on.
So pull up a comfy chair and enjoy this heart-filled post from Hannah. I know it’ll speak to you the way it brought back so many memories for me.
— Sunni ☀️
Now, from Hannah…
Your Tips for Managing Back-to-School Anxiety, by Hannah
Hey fellow moms, dads, and caretakers. The time is here once again, back to school!
11 weeks have likely come and gone by the time you are reading this post. Do you feel like it went by fast or did it drag on while you were busy as usual and your kids their fun activities of summer break?
If you’re a parent like me, you were at home wrangling your kids, working, and trying to complete house chores, all while being a personal chef who serves about 10 mini meals a day.
Either way, summertime is crazy (and fabulous) if you ask me.
So many things to think about and do. Trying to keep your kids on track with education so they don’t feel behind at the start of the year, shopping for supplies or a new pair of shoes while keeping them entertained.
Sometimes, it feels like endless commotion, but boy, have I loved having my 8-year-old son home. I’m shocked once again at how fast summer has come to an end.
In this blog, I want to help you out. Together, let’s make sure you feel prepared for school to start back and make the most of what’s left of summer!
Back-to-School Essentials
As the new school year approaches, it’s time to ensure your child is prepared and equipped for success. From their school bag to tech gear, having the right supplies can make all the difference in their academic performance and overall experience.
We all know that collecting all the things you’re child’s school requires can be overwhelming. So, here’s a comprehensive list of essential school supplies to help you get your thoughts together.
- New Backpack: A sturdy, comfortable backpack with enough compartments to organize books, notebooks, and supplies.
- Notebooks and Binders: Notebooks for note-taking and binders for organizing handouts and assignments.
- Pens and Pencils: A variety of pens and pencils, including colored ones for different subjects and activities.
- Erasers and Correction Tape: To fix mistakes and keep work neat and tidy.
- Highlighters and Markers: For emphasizing important information and color-coding notes.
- Calculator: A reliable calculator, especially if your child is in middle or high school.
- Ruler and Protractor: For math and geometry assignments.
- Lunchbox and Water Bottle: A reusable lunchbox and water bottle to stay hydrated and nourished throughout the day.
- Technology: Laptops, tablets, or e-readers, depending on the school’s requirements and your child’s needs.
- Planner or Agenda: To help your child stay organized in their school environment and extracurricular activities.
- Art Supplies: Crayons, colored pencils, scissors, and glue sticks for creative projects and assignments.
- Personal Hygiene Items: Hand sanitizer, tissues, and a small first aid kit for staying clean and safe.
Establishing a School Bedtime and Morning Routine
New routines are hard. I think we can all agree that they are just as challenging for adults as they are for children of all ages. However, as summer winds down, transitioning your children back into an earlier bedtime and morning routine is essential for a smooth start to the academic year.
After months of spontaneous play dates, late nights, and relaxed schedules, reestablishing a consistent bedtime can be a challenge, but it is crucial for ensuring your child gets the rest they need.
Start Slow
Begin by gradually adjusting their bedtime by 15-30 minutes earlier each night until you reach the desired time. Consistency is key—maintain the same bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends, to help their bodies adjust.
Establish Relaxing Evenings
Establishing a calming bedtime routine, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath, can also signal to their brains that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Structure the Morning
Mornings can be just as hectic, so creating a structured morning routine is equally important. Start by setting a wake-up time that allows for ample time to get ready without rushing.
Think Ahead
Encourage your children to lay out their clothes and pack their backpacks the night before to streamline the morning process.
Eat a Good Breakfast
A healthy breakfast is just as vital as enough sleep to kick-start their day, so ensure there’s time for a nutritious meal.
Pro Tip: I’m a visual thinker, so creating a checklist of morning tasks, such as brushing teeth, getting dressed, and eating breakfast, helps me and keeps my little one on track.
A little extra support goes a long way. By gradually reintroducing these routines, you can help your children adjust smoothly and be ready for the new school year with less stress and more confidence.
Last Minute Summer Activities
In a way, I always dread the first day of school. Summer flies by before you know it. If you had limited time with your child this summer, here are a few ideas you can do with them before they head back to school.
Picnic at the park
This doesn’t have to be extravagant, or if doing the most is your thing, then go for it! At home, I’ll pack a small cooler with drinks, and then on the way to the park, I’ll stop and get a sandwich or even run through a drive-thru. I found a huge, thin blanket at a store near me, and we just folded it up a couple of times, laid it out, and set up our stuff under a shade tree.
Movie night at home
Movie night at home is one of my sons favorite things to do. I swear he keeps these popcorn companies in business. Let your kids have free reign of the living room. I know that might sound like a mess, but trust me!
Pool Day at Home
At the end of summer, pools, and summer toys are usually on sale, and that is the perfect time to make some last-minute memories and activities before the kids head back. And the best part, in my opinion, is you don’t have to leave your house, load up the car, or worry about nap time getting cut into. When the family is done, just head inside!
Capturing Summertime Memories with Your Kid(s)
Everyone has different situations and circumstances, but it’s so important to me to capture the things my husband and I have done with our son.
I try my best to live in the moment and soak up all of the first and last with him. I have over 25,000 pictures and videos on my phone. Slightly insane, right? I’m sure some of you can relate.
Here are some creative and fun ways to capture those special moments:
1. Photos
- Candid Shots: Capture spontaneous moments of joy, laughter, and play.
- Themed Photoshoots: Plan a fun photoshoot around a theme, like a beach day or a picnic in the park.
- Nature Photography: Take photos during hikes, visits to botanical gardens, or outdoor adventures.
2. Videos
- Day in the Life: Create a video diary of a typical summer day with your kids.
- Mini-Movies: Encourage your kids to act out their favorite stories or make up their own and record it.
- Interview Style: Ask your kids questions about their favorite parts of summer and capture their responses on video.
3. Scrapbooking
- Traditional Scrapbooks: Print out photos, collect souvenirs like tickets or postcards, and let your kids help create pages with drawings and stickers.
- Digital Scrapbooks: Use online tools or apps to create a digital scrapbook you can easily share with family and friends.
4. Journals and Diaries
- Daily Journals: Encourage your kids to write or draw about their daily adventures and highlights.
- Joint Family Diary: Keep a shared diary where each family member contributes their memories and reflections.
5. Crafts and Art Projects
- Memory Collages: Use photos, drawings, and collected items to create a collage that represents your summer.
- Handprint Art: Make handprint art projects to capture your child’s growth and creativity.
6. Memory Boxes
- Treasure Boxes: Collect items from your summer adventures like shells, rocks, and small toys, and store them in a decorated box.
- Time Capsules: Create a time capsule with photos, letters, and small mementos to open in the future.
A Word From Sunni – a.k.a. Gigi
As a mama who’s been through dozens of back-to-school seasons, I just want to pause and tell you: you’re allowed to feel all the things. Excited. Tired. Nostalgic. Anxious. Even a little relieved. I’ve been there, packing those lunches, brushing hair five minutes before the bell, and whispering a quick prayer over my child’s heart before sending them out the door.
Now that I’m in my empty nest season, I look back at those school mornings and realize they were more than just routine. They were building blocks for my kids, yes, but also for me. They taught me patience, flexibility, and how to show up with love even when I felt like I had nothing left to give.
Here at Simply Sunni, we believe in doing more than creating content; we believe in serving with heart. That means reminding you that your presence matters more than any perfectly packed backpack or Pinterest-worthy lunch.
You’re showing up, and that’s enough.
Take a deep breath. You’ve already made it this far, and I know you’ll lead your family through this next season with grace.
Sprinkle it with sunshine,
Sunni
Founder of Simply Sunni
You Made It – Back-to-School!
As you gear up for the start of school, remember that you’re not alone in this journey!
Every parent is navigating similar challenges, whether it’s anticipating separation anxiety, feeling stressed with last-minute prep, or navigating your child’s worries and school jitters. It’s perfectly okay to feel a little bit (or a lot) overwhelmed.
The key is to take it one step at a time, celebrate the small victories, and be kind to yourself.
You’ve got this!
Think of this transition as an opportunity to create wonderful memories with new things and strengthen your family’s routines. With a little preparation and a lot of love, you’ll set your child up for success and ease into the start of the school year with confidence. Remember to cherish the moments, even the chaotic ones, because they’re all part of the adventure.
Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with growth, learning, and lots of joy.
You’re doing an amazing job!
– Hannah Baerwalde
Simply Sunni Content Writer
Hannah has been working as a Content Writer for Simply Sunni for years now. Prior to starting on her writing career, she devoted most of her time to interacting with children and overseeing a classroom. As a wife, mother to an amazing boy, and two GSP dogs, her true calling lies in assisting others.
She works under the mentorship of Simply Sunni Founder Sunni Baerwalde, a published author and expert in blogging, branding, and content creation. Hannah blends creativity with care in every post she writes, and she would be honored to help your business flourish with heart-led content.
We hope you enjoyed this special topic that comes from the heart of one of our incredible team members. Check back each month to see more off-brand and out-of-the-box topics from the diverse team of Simply Sunni!