As summer comes to an end and back-to-school season begins, it can be hard to get back into a regular schedule — both for kids and adults. To help you out we have compiled a list of Back-to-School tips for parents to get started this school year. The trick here is to plan ahead. Read through this list and identify some strategies that you think could help you and your family stay organized and on top of things. Then, test these different approaches as a family so you can figure out which ones work for you, and which ones don’t.

• Set your kids’ sleep schedules back to “School Time” two weeks before the first day.

• Get your kids involved in programs that they can do after school to keep them active.

• Visit cultural attractions like museums to shift their brains into “Scholar” mode.

• Encourage your kids to read at least one book before the school year begins.

• Reacquaint your kids with the calendar schedule they’ll use to manage their activities.

• Try apps like iHomework or MyHomeWork to help your kids organize assignments.

• Let kids choose a planner or scheduling tool that they’re excited to use.

• Set up weekly meetings to review your kids’ schedules for the week(s) ahead.

• Create a family calendar that tracks everyone’s activities and commitments.

• Refresh your rules about screen time for the school year. What’s allowed and when?

• Establish a set “Family Time,” whether it’s during dinner or before bed.

• Discuss what your kids can expect on the first day so they feel more prepared.

• Visit the school with your kids so they can get familiar with their new environments.

• Arrange playdates with two or three of your kids’ friends to rebuild existing social ties.

• Do something fun to diffuse this stressful time of year for all of you.

• Take a breath!