How to Prepare Your Kids for School After a Summer of Screen Time

As summer winds down, the back-to-school scramble ramps up, leaving families wondering how to get back on track and prepare their kids for a successful school year. If your kids' summer has been filled with video games and screen time instead of schedules, don't worry—you're not alone. But the transition doesn't have to be stressful. Here are some fun and practical tips to get your kids into learning mode with ease.

Reestablish a consistent routine

Gradually build a routine to help kids adapt. Start adjusting bedtime and wake-up times a few weeks before school starts. Eat dinner earlier and create a wind-down process. Make it a team effort: set alarms, set out clothes for the next day, and give fun incentives. Consistency helps kids feel secure and understand what to expect, and helps prevent rushed mornings when school starts.

Prioritize sleep

Set a regular bedtime and keep screens out of the bedroom or sleeping area. Slowly start to move bedtime earlier a few weeks before school so kids' sleep cycles can adjust. Try to avoid screens and video games 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime to ensure they calm down properly. Aim for 9–12 hours of sleep for school-age children to help them feel rested and ready for the day ahead.

Gradually limit screen time

Sudden changes can be tough. Ease into reducing screen time by encouraging screen-free activities like outdoor play, reading, arts and crafts, or listening to podcasts. Setting specific times for screens and video games helps balance screen time with physical and educational activities. Having clear digital boundaries helps kids maintain a healthy balance and reduce negative effects on attention and behavior.

Combine screen time and learning

Not all screen time is bad. Explore educational apps and games that make learning fun. Apps that focus on math, reading, or science can be a great way to blend entertainment with education. Just make sure they're age-appropriate and engaging.

Reset screen-time habits

As the school year approaches, it's a good time to reset screen habits and set healthy boundaries. Make certain areas of your home, like the dining room or bedroom, screen-free to encourage family interaction and discourage distraction. Start talking about tech expectations at home and at school, especially if new devices came into the picture over the summer. Bring your kids into discussions about screen-time rules you'd like to set so they understand that the rules are there to help them, not punish them. This way your kids can feel in control and can make the most out of their entertainment and tech time.

Model healthy tech habits

Kids pick up tech habits from their parents and caregivers, so if you want your kids to limit their screen time, try to model healthy habits yourself. Discuss screen habits that support your child's health and well-being.