A few ways to get teenagers ready for back to school

It’s that time of the year again when your teenager starts to get excited about going back to school (lies), but before they can start packing their bags and getting ready for their new classes, there are a few things you need to do. You have to make sure they’re up-to-date on any vaccines or prescriptions and fill out all of the necessary paperwork. They also need a physical exam, so don’t forget about scheduling an appointment with the doctor! I have a teen and a preteen and the few weeks leading up to back to school is hard but I have a few ways to get teenagers ready for back to school.

A few ways to get teenagers ready for back to school

First, get them ready at least two weeks before school starts. School starts for us on August the 4th so the week of July 19th I started to make them go to bed a bit earlier. During the Summer they had no bedtime so they would stay up till 4 am in the morning. Now it’s 10:30 during this week of school. I give my kids a bedtime because if I don’t they will be tired in school and won’t perform well. I know my kids. My daughter had homework a few times last year and was up past 1 pm some nights (she is in dance also) and the teacher had a few meetings with me about her falling asleep so I make sure to try to get them in bed by 10 even though they still don’t fall off asleep until something to 12 most nights.

Next, I talk to them about what’s expected. This year I expect nothing less than a C and they will be helping to cook more around the house. I spent this Summer teaching them some basic cooking skills so that they can help out more during the week. I work own 3 businesses + work a regular job and I need all the help I can get. I also expect chores to be done and HW to be done every night. My rules are when you get home you change into your round-the-house clothes, start your HW no electronics at all and if you have to use the computer it has to be in front of me because my kids do everything but what they are supposed to do. Then once HW is done they must do their chore and take their shower before they can relax and get their electronics before shutting it down at 10.

I love to set them up with their own calendar system. The best apps for teenagers are Artful Agenda (they have stickers so my daughter loves that) you can my referral code RK44458 (affiliate). I also love

• My study app
• Habitica 
• Todoist

Or you can use a plain google calendar. My kids also love the dry erase board calendar that helps them know what is going on daily. I also write on there to help them be informed of upcoming things and activities plus dinner. They always need to know what’s for dinner.

Setting the alarm is a tricky one because I used to use the alarm on their phones but since they sneak on the phones at night I had to confiscate that. I now put their alarm on using the echo or their own alarm clock in their room. I also let them listen to music in the mornings to help them get up and get ready for the day. Music can set the tone and it’s something they can enjoy while getting ready. Don’t worry they don’t play it loud and they each can listen to their own taste in music. BTW I do the same!

Let them pick out their own clothes within reason and if they are in uniform let them pick out something that fits their style as far as jewelry, shoes, hairpins, etc. My kids are in uniform but they are allowed to wear jewelry so my daughter wears her necklace, earrings, and bracelets and switches them out a lot during the week. This makes her feel unique even though she has on a uniform.

Some other ways to help get teenagers ready for back to school

• Read this on how to help your teen be likable
• let them set a goal for themselves
• create a space for them to have quiet time for at least 10 min every day
• Make sure they eat a decent breakfast even if you have to cook the night before or stop and get a Mickey D sausage biscuit
•  Create a space where they can come to you about anything no matter how big or small. This helps a lot with anxiety
• Have a HW station or area where they can do HW peacefully. For us, it’s my downstairs dining room table. I can see them because I have sneaky kids. I usually separate them one at the table the other in the den area
• Visit the school together so that you can sense if your child is uncomfortable or see their reaction to things.
• Make the most of your last days of Summer!

Let me know if you have anything to add to the list. Would love to know how you get your kids ready for back to school.

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