Make back-to-school time easy this year! Our readers are really smart, which is why we asked them about their very best back-to-school hacks.

Getting back into the swing of things for a new school year is no joke. It is hard. The early mornings, the bus schedule, the lunch packing, the homework, the extracurricular sports, the chalkboard first day or school photos. It can be overwhelming, which is why we turned to the most knowledgeable group of people we know to ask for tips: our readers. Here’s what they said.

Be sure to check out the Ultimate Back to School Guide from Kidding Around®

#1 Start the bedtime/wake-up time school schedule a couple of weeks before school starts

This was one of the top pieces of advice from our readers. Getting up early on day 1 is zero fun in and of itself. If your kid(s) has been doing it for at least a week or so, it’s a tad bit easier.

Consider planning a couple fun outings the week prior to school starting such as going out for donuts to make the earlier rising time an adventure.

Practice lunch by packing the lunch box and setting a timer for the amount of time that your child has for lunch at school.

#2 Pick out the clothes for school for the entire week.

Multiple readers said they help their kids to lay out clothes for the whole week on Sunday or tell their teens to do so themselves. One reader even had a brilliant idea to use hanging cubbies to put clothes for each day. And this is why we ask our readers these questions.

#3 Don’t buy a brand-new “back to school” wardrobe

The National Retail Federation estimates that Americans with school-age kids are spending upwards of $865 per kid on back-to-school supplies and clothing. That number is enormous, but it can be cut back without going all out for a new wardrobe for your kids. There are tons of consignment shops and sales to make use of to help get your kids a new-to-them wardrobe.

Also, consider purchasing just a couple of outfits at the beginning of the school year versus an entire new wardrobe. Your kids might change their minds on what they want to wear after seeing what other kids are wearing, and the colder weather is just a couple of months away.

#4 Meal prep

Many of our readers noted that prepping meals ahead of time for the week is a lifesaver when getting back into the swing of things. One mom even prepares one big meal at the beginning of the week that can feed everyone for several nights and just switches up the sides to add variety.

Anything you can prepare the night before, such as packing lunches, will also make leaving the house on time in the morning much easier.

Setting up a breakfast station the week before with breakfast foods ready to go can also make the morning move smoothly. These make-ahead kid-friendly breakfast ideas may help!

#6 Don’t schedule any appointments the first week of school

No doctor appointments. No dentist appointments. Nothing that will give you even more stress than you’re already handling. Schedule them for a few weeks out from the first day of school if you can.

#7 Use Alexa to help you remember things you/your kids need to do

One reader said she programs her Alexa device to set reminders about things she or her kids would likely forget, like when the library book is due, what day of the week her kid(s) need to wear gym shoes, or a reminder to plug in the Chromebook.

#8 Plug in that Chromebook

Be sure to plug in the Chromebook on Sunday night because going to school with a dead laptop is no fun.

#9 Keep the social life to a minimum

One mom said she has found that restricting weekend plans for the first few weeks of the school year has helped her kids to get the relaxation they need and helps them to focus on the new school year.

#10 Use your calendar to keep up with events

One mom said she plugs all of the school events into your calendar on her phone before the school year so she knows what to expect and can plan for events.

#11 Keep all school-related things in one place

Mom Stacy has this amazing idea: “I have a back-to-school binder. It has the school calendar and sections for each child for their supply lists and forms teachers send home for platforms the kids use, passwords, usernames, etc, and contact lists.

Anything important that’s sent home, especially in those early weeks, goes straight into the binder. The supply list stays, so I can touch base with the teacher throughout the year on possible extra needs or send in extras that are consumed quickly.”

What’s your back-to-school hack for this school season?

And then there’s dinner.

Get some new ideas: School-Night Dinner Secrets from our readers

Inside: Real-world advice from parents in our community on how to keep communication open with teens and talk about sensitive topics like drugs and alcohol.

Talking to your kids as they grow older can feel like navigating a maze—especially when it comes to tough topics like drugs, alcohol, and independence. But open, honest communication is possible—and essential. We asked our Kidding Around community for their best tips. Here’s what they shared.

This article is written as part of the Open Conversation Initiative with South Carolina DAODAS.

1. Work on Real Connection Beyond Serious Conversations

Your teen may act like they don’t need you, but don’t let that fool you—they crave your attention and presence more than they’ll admit.

• Be curious, not critical. Learn what excites them. Show interest in their favorite games, music, or trends—and listen without judgment.
• Do fun things with them. Coffee runs, thrift shopping, or even watching TV or playing a video game together can build trust.
• Make your home their comfort zone. Invite their friends over. Offer snacks. Keep things low-pressure.
• Balance the serious and the silly. You will never get to the conversation about mental health and drug dangers if you aren’t already talking about less serious topics.
• Have conversations not interrogations. The question, “How was school today?” might be a big question to answer. Give space for your kids to share on their terms when it’s not safety related information.

💬 “I’ve been very transparent and talk openly with my kids about addiction issues in our family. And then, we just talk—about anything and everything. We ask clarifying questions, admit when we don’t know, find out answers together, etc. I’ve never parented before and we’re learning together. So, long story short, building a foundation of trust on the front end makes some of these conversations easier later on.”

2. Don’t Overreact When They Share

When your teen opens up, how you respond can determine whether they ever do it again.

• Pause before reacting. If they mention something shocking, stay calm. It’s okay to say, “That’s serious. Let me think a moment and let’s talk more in a bit.”
• Ask non-threatening questions. Use “What happened?” or “How did you feel?” instead of questions that shut down the conversation.
• Communicate in ways that feel safe to them. Not every conversation has to be face-to-face. Some of the deepest ones might come through a text. That’s okay. Go where your kid feels safe.

💬 “It is important to let them know that although you may not always agree with their behavior or decisions, you are always there and love them unconditionally. Reach out and ask how they are doing? Let them know they can come to you. Be honest about mental health issues in our society including stress anxiety and depression. Tell them about the heightened dangers of drugs today and how drugs are laced with fentanyl. One pill can kill etc. Also, incorporate fun times together where heavy topics are not discussed . Balance it.”

3. Create Space for Disagreement

Independence and differing opinions are part of your teen’s growth. Don’t overreact when they disagree with you.

• Practice active listening. You don’t need to correct every statement. Let them talk and feel heard.
• Don’t take it personally. Disagreement doesn’t mean rejection—it means they’re exploring who they are. They are still growing and their opinions are still changing.
• Be open to negotiation. Let them share their reasoning. You might even reconsider a rule based on a solid argument.

4. Be Clear With Expectations and Safety Nets

Teens need clarity around boundaries—and they need to know you’ve got their back if things go wrong.

• State your rules explicitly. “You’re not allowed to vape or drink” is better than assuming they know.
• Explain the risks. Talk honestly about consequences, especially dangers like fentanyl exposure.
• Use a safe word system. Create a code they can text if they need a non-judgmental exit from a party.
• Be consistent with consequences. Follow through if trust is broken, but work together to rebuild it.

💬 “If you or a friend drinks or uses drugs, call me. I will come get you. No punishment. No lecture. Just safety. We’ll talk when you’re ready and safe.”

5. Know Your Limits and Surround Your Kid with Safe Adults

You don’t have to do this alone—and your teen shouldn’t have to either.

• Watch for mental health struggles. Anxiety and depression often show up as withdrawal or risky behavior. Talk to your doctor if you see concerning behavior. They often can point you to additional resources from great therapists to support groups.
• Connect them with other adults. Be sure your kids know who the trusted adults are in your life that you trust to help them whether it’s an aunt, grandparent, or friend. Remember that it’s better for them to share with someone safe rather than no one if they don’t talk to you.
• Focus on what you can control. You can’t prevent every mistake your kid might make, but you can provide tools and guidance.

Final Word: Keep the Door Open

Your teen needs to know one thing above all: you’re there for them. Always.

Even when they disagree with you. Even when they mess up. Keep checking in. Keep creating safe space for honesty. And keep choosing connection, again and again.