When it comes to getting the family ready to return to the regular school routine, the secret is definitely in the planning. We’ve compiled a checklist of essential school supplies to help you and the kids make a smooth transition back to the classroom, along with practical tips covering everything from setting bedtimes to agreeing on homework routines to minimise the stress of getting everything organised and to set everyone up for success.
Most importantly? Ask your children every day how their school day went. Your children need to know that they can talk to you about concerns or worries they have, or simply share a funny story with you.
Must-have school supplies & stationery for 2026
Classic 3 Bar Logo Backpack
$31.50 (was $45) at Adidas
Editor’s tip: Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps – narrow ones can dig into your child’s shoulders, causing pain and restricting circulation.
Melii 2 Tier Bento Box
$19 (was $24.99) at Mighty Ape
Editor’s tip: Use the new school year as a chance to get your child into some healthy eating habits. Sit down with your kids and plan lunch ideas that everyone agrees on. If you want to be super-organised, make a chart detailing lunches for every day of the week, and use it to compile a weekly shopping list so all the food you or your kids need for lunches is fresh.
Back-to-School Survival Guide
Back to school is always a difficult transition – especially when the weather is still great or after a relaxing holiday where time seems no object. But there are ways to make it as painless as possible by setting goals and getting prepped early for the oncoming year. Here are our golden rules to survive the start of the new school term.
1. Setting bedtimes and morning routines
First things first, everyone needs to know where they stand. In the days approaching the start of term, set the bedtimes for the coming year. If your kids are going to sleep at 10 when their bedtime is 8, they’re going to have a tired, grouchy start. Establishing a routine now will make the transition much smoother.
Discuss with your children how long it will take them to get ready in the morning and work backwards to establish a wake-up time. Some children can get ready in half an hour while others need an hour. It’s an important time of the day for children when they need to have a good breakfast and not feel rushed, so be realistic with the rising times.
2. Get organised with the right school supplies
Think lists – and think them the week before school starts.
- Do a uniform inventory and sort out mending, stain removal, and size issues.
- If they wear mufti, check that there are enough clothes to see them through the week and, most importantly, that they still fit!
- Find last year’s lunchboxes, drink bottles, and school bags, and replace them if necessary.
- Check the school’s official stationery list to ensure you’re equipped with the right stuff.
3. Plan meals in advance
Make the first week back easier on yourself by planning and shopping for the week’s lunches and dinners ahead of time.
- Get the shopping done early and plan out the week’s lunches and dinners.
- Batch bake and freeze some dishes for easy reheats during the week.
While this level of organisation might not last forever, it will help you ease into the new routine.
4. Talk and listen to your child
Have a chat with your child about the upcoming year. Being open and communicative will help them feel supported. If your child had a tough year previously, do all you can to prepare them for the year ahead.
- Ask what subjects they’re excited about and what they might be worried about.
- Use this as an opportunity to gauge their concerns and decide if anything needs to be raised with their teacher.
- Discuss the possibility of a new class or being separated from friends, and brainstorm ways to handle it.
- Be mentally prepared to be around more during the first week to listen and help them sort out any jitters before they escalate.
- Check that your child is familiar with bus or walking routes and has a plan if they get lost, miss the bus or miss their ride. Talk to your child about what they should do if any of these scenarios do eventuate. A simple card with emergency numbers popped in a pocket of their backpack can help them feel prepared.
5. Create a homework routine
Think about your children’s homework habits last year – was it a struggle? Here’s how to fix it:
- Talk to your kids about your expectations, such as dedicating 30 minutes every night to homework.
- Let them choose the best time for them to work – some kids need a snack and some downtime.
- Write the routine on a chart and display it where they can see it. Consider a reward system to encourage good habits.
- Discuss how they can balance homework with hobbies or time with friends.
- Some kids work and study better in an assigned area rather than in their bedroom, where distractions abound.
7. Adopt a positive mindset about returning to school
The start of the year is a fresh start and a chance to get your kids excited about what’s to come. A positive attitude can make all the difference, and your presence and support can help them feel more confident.
- Avoid comments about how horrible school was for you – these days, most kids really enjoy it!
- Make the countdown to the first day something to look forward to, not dread.
- Check the school’s website or newsletters to see what’s planned, such as camps or field trips.
- If your budget allows, consider getting your child something new and special to mark the start of the year, such as a pencil case or a set of colouring pens.
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