September is Coming: 3 Simple Summer Habits to Prepare for Preschool & Kindergarten

Summer has only just kicked off, but if you’re anything like me, the thought of back-to-school is already quietly lurking in the back of your mind. September always seems to sneak up fast, and with it, big transitions for our little ones. If your child is starting preschool or kindergarten this fall, chances are your emotions are a bit all over the place.

Maybe you’re feeling anxious about sending them off for the first time, wondering how they’ll manage without you. Maybe you’re counting down the days until school starts because, let’s be real, structure and (free!) childcare are a luxury. Or maybe you’re already overwhelmed, thinking you should’ve started your back-to-school shopping yesterday. However you’re feeling, just know this: your emotions are valid, and you’re definitely not alone.

Whether you’re soaking in summer or already eyeing pumpkin spice season, now is a great time to start adding in a few easy habits that will help ease the transition, not just for your kids, but for you too. Let’s face it: change can be just as hard for us as it is for them.

Here are three simple habits you can begin working into your days that will gently prepare your child for the classroom routine ahead:

1. Create a Morning Routine (Even in Summer)

Summer has a way of turning every day into Saturday. Pajamas stay on till noon (definitely not all day….right?), breakfast becomes brunch and routines? What routines? Lazy days are part of the point of summer, that’s why it’s called a ‘vacation’, but when weekdays and weekends start to feel the same, it can make the eventual shift to a structured Monday to Friday schedule harder than it needs to be.

Start small. Try waking up at the same time each weekday and following a simple “get ready” routine: wash face, brush teeth, get dressed, breakfast. Try packing a picnic for a pretend adventure, even if it’s just to the park. Building these habits now can make the real deal feel more familiar and less intimidating when September rolls around.

2. Sync Your Meal Schedules

Most schools and childcare centers serve meals and snacks on a set schedule: usually a healthy mid-morning snack, lunch, and an afternoon bite. If your little one has been snacking freely all summer (guilty), now’s a great time to guide them toward a more structured eating pattern.

Try setting regular snack and meal times that mimic school day schedules. You can even turn mealtime into Montessori-style play by involving them in the prep! Let them choose their snacks, practice opening their food packages, peel their own bananas, or unpack a lunchbox picnic in the backyard.

It may seem small, but practicing independence with their food (opening containers, peeling wrappers, managing water bottles) can build serious confidence. It’ll save them (and their teachers) a lot of frustration later. Turning lunch into a mini life-skills lesson can only be a win for us and them.

3. Prepare for Tomorrow, Today

One of the easiest and most impactful habits to start now is simply planning the day ahead with your child. Choose tomorrow’s outfit together. Talk about what the weather will be like. Ask if they’d like a braid or ponytail for the next day. Let them help set out shoes or pack a pretend school bag.

This routine does more than save you time in the morning, it gives kids a sense of control and something to look forward to. That “I know what to expect” feeling is everything when it comes to reducing anxiety and building independence.

Once the school year starts, you can expand this habit to include checking for school notes, prepping lunch items, or packing a backpack, but for now, keep it light and fun. It’s not about being strict, it’s about planting the seeds for routines they’ll soon rely on.

Every family is different. Some of you might already have solid routines in place, especially if daycare or work commutes have been part of your life for a while. Others might still be working on big milestones—potty training, communication skills, or basic manners.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and there’s no rush to “get it all perfect.” The goal here is to start small and start early so that come September, you and your child feel just a little more ready.

Because the first day of school isn’t just a big day for them, it’s a huge one for us too. As we help them prep their backpacks and water bottles, let’s also start prepping our hearts. And maybe keep the tissues close.

We’ve got this, mama.