8 Essential Tips for Teen Back-to-School Prep

The new school year is just around the corner, and while younger kids may be picking out lunchboxes and crayons, teens are dealing with a completely different set of challenges. From jam-packed schedules to increased responsibilities, teens require unique strategies to help them transition back to the classroom. Here are some tips to help your teens start the school year feeling ready and confident:

Reset Sleep Routines

Sleep is crucial for focus, mood and overall well-being, especially during those busy school days, so it’s time to ease teens back into a routine that supports the eight to 10 hours of sleep they need. Start by gradually shifting their bedtime and wake-up time a week or two before school starts. Encourage a consistent bedtime routine like reading a book, dimming the lights or winding down with a relaxing playlist. Oh, and remind them that TikTok can wait until morning!

Cut Back on Screen Time

Speaking of screens, let’s talk boundaries. Teens spend a lot of time on their devices, and while it’s often how they connect with friends or unwind, excessive screen time can interfere with sleep and focus. Set up a tech-free zone at the dinner table and encourage a no-screens rule at least an hour before bed. Need a trick to make it work? Suggest alternatives they enjoy such as journaling, sketching or catching up on a favorite book.

Make a Game Plan

Back-to-school means back to busy days filled with classes, homework, sports and social events. Helping your teen create a balanced schedule can make all the difference in managing stress and staying organized. Sit down together and map out their weekly commitments. A calendar app can help them keep track of deadlines and events. Encourage them to set aside specific times for homework and study breaks. And remember, downtime isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.

Keep Mealtime Consistent

Between early mornings and packed schedules, it’s easy for teens to skip meals or reach for junk food on the go. But regular, nutritious meals are key to keeping their energy levels steady and their brains sharp. Plan ahead by stocking the kitchen with pre-cut fruits and veggies, yogurt and whole-grain snacks. If your teen packs lunch, involve them in the process. It’s a great way to teach them about healthy eating and make sure they actually eat what’s in their lunchbox.

Find Ways to Relax

Teens need outlets to unwind and recharge. Encourage them to find activities that help them relax. This could mean joining a sports team, getting involved in a school club or exploring creative hobbies. Even simple things like taking a walk, baking or spending time with friends can make a big difference.

Keep Them Active

Staying active is key to a teen’s physical and mental health. Some teens might love sports like soccer or basketball, while others prefer individual activities like swimming, running or yoga. Even less traditional options like skateboarding, dance or hiking can be great ways to get moving. Encourage them to find their thing and remember that consistency matters more than intensity.

Hear Them Out

The teen years can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and school only adds to the pressure. Listening to your teen’s concerns is one of the most valuable things you can do. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing what’s on their mind—whether it’s stress about grades, social challenges or future plans. Resist the urge to jump in with solutions right away; sometimes, they just need to feel heard.

Focus on the Positives

Gratitude might not seem like a big deal, but it can have a huge impact on teens’ mental health and outlook on life. Teaching your teen to focus on the positives can help build resilience and boost their mood. Encourage them to keep a gratitude journal where they jot down a few things they’re thankful for each day. Or make it a family ritual to share one good thing that happened during dinner. These small practices can go a long way in helping your teen see the brighter side of life.

Every Teen is Unique

Remember, every teen is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. The most important thing is to stay supportive and involved, letting them know you’re there to help them navigate this exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) time.

Another tip? Find a great school, like the ones Lago Mar is zoned to. Lago Mar teens attend Dickinson or McAdams Junior High and Dickinson High School, schools known for strong academics and plenty of extracurricular activities that create young adults ready to take on the world.