When students go back to school, it’s a big change for kids and parents alike. Everyone has a whole new routine, complete with new rules to follow and new kinds of responsibilities. To help ease everyone in your family into the school year, I asked some local teachers for their top five tips and tricks for back-to-school bliss:

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1. Get their supplies together. Visit your local school’s website or call the school’s front office to find out what supplies your kids will need on their first day. The school staff will be on campus at least one week before school starts, so feel free to contact them and make sure your kids are prepared for their first day back.

2. Set a new sleep schedule early. One week before school starts, set your children’s bedtimes earlier and wake them up at the same time they would need to be awake to get to school on time. This will ease their transition into the school year’s sleep routine, leaving them bright-eyed and ready to learn when that first bell of the day rings.

3. Take an informal tour. Since the campus will be open for teachers early, you can take your kids to visit the school before the first day. This is particularly important if your child is starting at a new school, or even if they are just transitioning from one part of the school to another. Show them where important landmarks are, including their classroom, the closest bathroom, the library and the front office. They might even get a chance to meet their teachers! This will help reduce their first day jitters.

4. Flex your power. Many parents don’t fully understand how much power they have over their children’s education. By simply talking to your child’s teachers and school administrators, you can make dramatic changes in their learning environment. If you think your child would thrive in a certain program or under another teacher’s care, don’t be afraid to speak up!

5. Talk to your kids. Sometime before the start of the school year, take a moment to check in with your kids and see how they are feeling. Approach them individually, asking, “Madeline, you are starting the third grade! How do you feel about that? What are you looking forward to this year? Is there anything you are scared or worried about?” Taking a few minutes to take their emotional pulse will help you prepare for any potential back-to-school stress over hurdles like making new friends or handling tougher classwork.

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As you all get back into the swing of things, keep in mind that teachers are your allies in helping to shape a nurturing learning environment for your children. Stay in contact with them to make sure that your little ones are still on track all school year long!

Check out events at your local craft stores for ways to get creative this season. Stores like Michael’s and Paper Source host a variety of creative classes such as decorating your classrooms (for you teachers out there) and workshops that teach everything from rubber stamping to calligraphy. It’s a great way to learn something new, spend time with your kids or just find new ways to create an awesome party.

One project you could try is to create a basket of goodies for a birthday girl or boy, or new parents-to-be. Just buy a basket or cellophane bag and add these cute gift tags, address labels and personalized stationery.