Back-to-School Checklist

Love it or loathe it, back to school is almost here. And to make it easier on everyone, it's best to start some prep now to avoid a rough transition. Here are a few quick tasks to tackle for smooth September sailing, courtesy of psychologist, parenting expert and author Sara Dimerman.

Did that backpack ever get unpacked after the last day of school? Take a look, clear out the stuff and assess if washing or a new pack is required.

Book all of those doctor and dental appointments that are harder to fit in during the school year, now.

Sign them up for some extracurricular activities, and if your kids want to attend with friends, recruit other parents for carpooling. Be mindful of how well-balanced school will be with and extracurricular activities.

If camp, vacations or other programming has kept your buds away from their buds, make an effort to schedule a playdate or two, allowing them all to reconnect.

Get the hamster back on the wheel in the brain department. Consider a variety of academic worksheets or even a fun high school student tutor for subjects that were particularly challenging.

Head to a library or bookstore to pick up some new books and encourage some quality reading time, whether together or solo.

Chat about any worries or insecurities your child might have about the new school year. Remind them that they won't be the only one in the class who feels that way and even teachers are nervous around this time of year.

If some new school supplies or clothes are required, make the shopping expedition fun yet targeted.

Put 14 sticky notes on your child's wall, numbered one to 14. Each day leading up to the beginning of school, remove the sticky note corresponding to the number of days to go. This visual reminder of the countdown helps kids prepare for school by bringing closure to their summer holidays.

If a haircut is in order, try booking one now to avoid the last-week-before-school buzz.

Go to the school and take a picture of your child outside as part of an annual ritual that results in a cool pictorial timeline of their changes.

Do a trial run of the path to school and review safety skills. At home, draw a map of the route and add in fun details.

If your child needs special accommodations, try to check in with school staff who are likely already working during this last week.

It's tough—but start to adjust back to school bedtime and wake-up times. Get them into bed 10 or 15 minutes earlier each night and up earlier as well. It's better to have a drowsy August morning than the first week of school.

Supervise your child packing their own backpack. Things will go more smoothly the first morning of school if they've had some practice.

Have a family meeting to go over school rules, from use of electronics to homework times.

Go have fun! Now that you're organized for the start of school, relax with the family and enjoy the last few days before the gong show begins.