The carefree days of summer are just what we needed back in June. A chance to catch a breath, unwind, and have a few adventures is exactly what summer break is about. But come August, there’s something nice about getting back into a routine. Back-to-school time can be rough when you’re used to going to bed late and sleeping in. Going back to school can be scary for kids or can be tough when they’re used to the relaxed days of summer.

We’ve gathered our BEST tips and tricks to make back-to-school easier on your family.

The Best Back-to-School Tips and Tricks

1. The trick to getting kids to wake up early for school.

This is tricky, but sometimes parents have to get…creative. In the summer, we use this trick to keep kids in their beds. But you can also get sly one week before school starts by changing their clocks forward an hour so they can get used to an earlier bed time and an earlier wake time.

If that’s not your style, you can get your whole family ready for the morning routine by setting all alarm clocks in the house for the time you’ll need to be up for school.

2. The worry monster

For younger kids who are a little timid about starting school, introduce them to the worry monster. This genius craft will eat all of your children’s worries. The cool thing about it is that your kids write down their worries, you get to talk about them, and then the monster eats them up!

3. Give him the cutest haircut for school.

For a fresh, cool look for school, take him to a stylist and request one of these 13 stinking cute boys hairstyles.

4. Easy girls hair dos

Be ready for daily school hair with these 24 easy hair dos for girls. These are so simple, you can do them in a pinch before school starts.

5. Free printable binder covers

Teens and tweens will love these awesome binder covers that you can print here for FREE! Take their doodling to a whole new level and let them be unique amidst the crowd at the same time.

6. Get their homework space organized now.

Don’t wait for the first day of school; get your homework space organized now. Check out these easy desk organization tips or find some great ways to organize all that paper clutter here!

7. Lunchbox boot camp

Don’t get stuck in the peanut butter and jelly rut. Try out these quick, easy, and practical lunches that help change things up. You’ll have enough for 45 days and many of them you can freeze now and use later.

8. Have a special back-to-school dinner.

This is a cute idea that could turn into a fun back-to-school tradition. Host a special back-to-school dinner using these ideas for menu, decorations, and a program.

9. The back-to-school bucket list

With so much to do, don’t let the important stuff fall through the cracks. This back-to-school bucket list for the whole family will make sure you soak up the last of summer and give you some new ideas for a new school year.

10. Create a unique first and last day of school photo.

As you get ready for the traditional first day of school photo, take a look at this tutorial first! Create a unique photo op  that will show their growth from the first day of school to the last.

11. Make the GIANT cookie!

How fun is this back-to-school treat? Surprise your kiddos with the most epic, giant cookie made on a pizza pan. Find the recipe here.

12. Whip ‘em into shape with a morning routine.

For little ones who might struggle with the morning routine, print this handy little chart (or make your own) to give them a visual guide in the mornings. Sometimes we all need a friendly reminder to brush our teeth before we greet the world.

Have a great school year!