From Kindergarten Drop-Off to the High School Parking Lot: We’re Back, Baby
I just got back from my freshman daughter's first high school book day. Unlike Kindergarten, I did not walk her into school. I was relegated to the parking lot. The far-away one.
Yup, friends—it’s go time.
Somehow, summer flew by, and now I have a high schooler and a middle schooler. While I’ve worked with plenty of high school students over the years, sending my own baby into a 1,000-student class? Totally different ballgame. She’s going to do great—it’s just going to be an adjustment for all of us.
She received her schedule, and of course her most challenging classes are stacked in the afternoon. Her study hall? Smack in the middle of lunch. Classic. So how are we, as a family, going to navigate this transition?
Let’s all take a deep breath. We’ve got this. As we count down the final two weeks before school starts, here are the steps I’m taking to ease the transition—for my kids’ sanity and mine.
1. Reset Sleep Schedules (Even if They Yell at You)
Late nights and lazy mornings are officially out. It’s time to help everyone gradually shift back to school-year hours. Teens are biologically wired to stay up late and need more sleep—so easing into earlier wake-up times is key.
We might not control the school bell, but we can make mornings less painful with a little prep now.
2. Create a Calm, Clutter-Free Study Spot
Set up a designated homework space stocked with extra supplies—pens, paper, post-its, whatever they need. This space should be:
Free from distractions
Separate from their bedroom command center
Away from the kitchen counter (especially if it has a clear view of the TV)
Basically, if it’s where you’d want to scroll Instagram for an hour, it’s not ideal for algebra.
3. Make Tech Expectations Crystal Clear
Many schools issue Chromebooks, which are essential for classwork—but they’re already a major tech stimulant. The last thing your kid needs during homework time is another screen (ahem, their phone).
Enter: The Phone Basket.
Get a simple basket (Target, HomeGoods, wherever) and declare it the official phone zone during homework time. Phones go in, sound goes off. If they need to text a friend for help, they can—but then it goes right back in the basket.
Fair warning: They’ll whine. You’ll want to cave. (Or maybe that’s just me?) But stick with it. Once your kid realizes you're not budging, they’ll adjust. Until then... earplugs.
This transition might be a little bumpy—but you’re not alone, and you’re doing great. I’ll be popping in on the blog with more tips, but if you want help one-on-one, I’d love to support you. Reach out anytime at info@katiespeetzen.com.
Until then… may the force be with you.
