How to Set Kids Up for a Strong Start to the School Year

Back-to-school is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a transition that impacts how kids feel, learn, and function. At JAM, we’ve seen that a strong start isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about doing the right things with consistency and care.

A strong start includes:

• Predictable routines: Kids thrive when they know what to expect. Reinforce consistent wake-up times, nighttime routines, and morning responsibilities starting 1–2 weeks before school begins.
  
  
• Emotional preparation: Talk about what’s coming. Validate any anxiety and name their strengths. “You’ve done hard things before — you can do this too.”
  
  
• Executive functioning support: Practice planning together. Use a weekly calendar or checklist. Let them help pack bags, choose school supplies, or plan after-school time.
  
  

You don’t have to be perfect — just present and proactive. With the right rhythm in place, students enter the year with less stress and more confidence in themselves and their systems.If you’re looking to start this school year with more calm and less chaos, JAM can help. We support students and families in building the routines and skills that set the tone for a successful year.