Back to Fall Routines
Summer is a time of fun and flexibility, late bedtimes, spontaneous outings, and relaxed schedules. Whether your child is starting daycare or preschool, staying home while older siblings go off to school, or adjusting to parents returning to work, we have prepared some tips to make the transition smooth for everyone.
Start Early
A week or two before school or daycare starts, begin adjusting wake-up, bedtime, and mealtimes little by little to get closer to your usual school-year schedule.
Create Predictable Routines
Young children feel more secure when they know what to expect. Build a simple morning and evening routine that follows the same steps each day for example:
Morning: wake up, potty, breakfast, brush teeth, get dressed
Evening: dinner, bath, pajamas, brush teeth, storytime, bed
Create a visual or object routine using familiar pictures or items the child can refer to as you move through the steps.
Narrate each step using clear and descriptive language: “We are going to brush our teeth. Your toothbrush is blue and has a long handle with bristles at the top.”
Practice the Daily Basics
Practice getting dressed, putting on shoes, packing a backpack, or even buckling into the car seat. You can sing a song during the activity or make it into a little game. If your child is starting preschool, introduce school-like activities at home such as reading books, doing crafts and singing songs.
Tips for Starting Somewhere New
If possible, visit the space beforehand. Let them explore the classroom, touch toys and furniture, and meet a teacher or two. Build excitement by making a list and gathering or shopping for the items. A lunch box or backpack with their favorite tv character goes a long way!
Tips for Returning to a Familiar Place
Remind them what they enjoyed last year “Remember the play kitchen?” or “You love the sandbox outside!” Connect them with a familiar teacher or face the first day back.
If Older Siblings Are Going to School
Younger children may feel confused or left out when siblings leave each morning. Make your own “morning goodbye” routine for drop-offs and try creating a little plan for the day:
"After we wave goodbye, we’ll go to the park, then we will come home and have snack time. After lunch, we will go and visit Grandma."
If Parents Are Returning to Work
Changes in who is at home during the day, especially after family vacations or time off can be a big deal for little ones. Let them know what’s happening using language they understand: “Mommy’s going back to work after vacation. You’ll be with Grandma during the day, and I’ll come home in time for dinner and story time.”
Every family’s routine looks different. What matters most is consistency, predictability, and connection. Whether your child is going to preschool, staying home, or adjusting to family changes, your calm guidance and positive reinforcement makes a huge difference. Getting back into routine won’t happen overnight. Take it one step at a time and be kind to yourself in the process. You’ve got this and so does your little one!