3 ways back to school success starts at home

As we enter another new school year here in Arizona, excitement is in the air; new teachers, new backpacks and a fresh start. But beneath the surface, many students are also facing nerves, uncertainty and the pressure of change.

As parents and guardians, your influence during this season is powerful. How we help our children prepare now can shape their experience for the rest of the year.

Here are three key ways to make this school year a success: Establishing a solid back-to-school routine, encouraging kindness and staying actively engaged in your child’s education.

1. Establish a solid back-to-school routine.

Children thrive on structure, and routines help build confidence and calmness. During the summer, bedtimes may have drifted later, screens became more frequent companions and mornings were slower. But re-establishing a consistent routine, especially in the first few weeks, can help reduce stress and increase focus during the school day.

As we move into the new school year, here are a few ideas to try to build a new, positive, back-to-school routine:

• Bedtime Wind Down: Set a “screens-off” time at least 30 minutes before bed. Use that time for reading, quiet music or conversation to prepare for a better night’s sleep.

• Morning Prep: Get clothes, backpacks and lunches ready the night before to reduce morning chaos.

• Family Calendar Check-ins: Weekly reviews of upcoming events help students feel prepared and included.

Establishing a routine isn’t just about logistics; it communicates to your child that their education is a priority and that you’re in it together.

2. Encourage them to be the “nice kid”

Academic success matters, but so does character. Remind your child that kindness is one of the most powerful traits they can bring into a classroom. Whether it’s inviting someone to sit with them at lunch, standing up for a peer or simply sharing a smile, being the “nice kid” can change someone’s whole day. Just as importantly, this can help create a more inclusive, welcoming school for all.

Here are a few simple encouragements to share with your kid on the way to school: 

• “Look for someone who might need a friend today.”

• “Treat others the way you’d want to be treated.”

• “When in doubt, choose kindness; it’s never the wrong choice.”

When kindness is encouraged at home, it shows up in hallways, classrooms and friendships. 

3. Stay engaged, not overwhelmed

Your involvement sends a strong message: “Your learning matters to me.” But being engaged doesn’t have to mean joining every committee or checking every assignment. It’s about presence, encouragement and open communication.

Here are a few simple ideas about how you can stay engaged in your child’s education without overwhelming yourself: 

• Ask about the highs and lows of the day, not just grades.

• Celebrate effort, not just results.

• Attend parent nights, check school communications and reach out when you have questions.

Remember, your child’s educators are partners in their growth. A strong connection between home and school builds a foundation for confidence, learning and support.

A new school year is more than a restart, it’s an opportunity to grow, lead with kindness and show up with purpose. When routines are set, kindness is encouraged and families are engaged, then students are empowered to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Let’s start the year strong together. Here’s to routines that work, hearts that care, homes that support and students who thrive because of it all. 

What are your tips for setting children up for success at the start of the school year? Share your ideas with us at Arizona PBS Kids on Facebook.

About the author

RikkiLynn Archibeque is in her 11th year of teaching in Arizona and has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree in secondary education from Indiana University and a master’s degree in learning sciences from Arizona State University.

She currently teaches high school history and government and is a cross country and track and field coach. She is also the wife of a high school administrator, Jake, and the mom of a gifted third grader, Cruz.