The annual ritual of “back-to-school” has begun. The whirlwind of shopping is just about over; you’ve segued from a summer schedule to a school bell schedule. Setting your child up for success makes it all worthwhile.

Getting kids ready physically, with new supplies and clothes, is important for practical reasons. A fresh notebook and a well-fitting uniform can boost a child’s confidence and sense of readiness. But the true significance lies in the mental and emotional preparation. I always found the hardest part of back to school was establishing a routine. Especially after our sons got older. They wanted to stay with the summer “sleeping until noon” routine. Suddenly we were shifting bedtime and wake-up times, setting homework hours not to mention keeping up with their sports schedules. I can’t tell you how many quick dinners we’ve eaten sitting at a ballpark.

Now that I can look back on those hectic days, I can smile and sigh and say honestly – I wouldn’t trade them for the world. For me, preparing for back-to-school was a mission not just about ticking items off a list; it’s about nurturing independence, responsibility, and a love for learning. It was about empowering my boys with the tools and confidence they needed to thrive, ensuring they stepped into the classroom not just with new pencils, but with a sense of purpose and preparedness that will serve them throughout the academic year and beyond.

Enjoy these days while you can. Because, in a blink of the eye, they’ll be gone.