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SHARED by: Leigh Goldman, Gymtime Gymnastics Mom

Transitioning from the carefree days of summer to the more regimented school year can be a rude awakening for kids and parents alike.

The June-to-August months mean later bedtimes, fewer competing schedule demands, a more informal dress code and generally not as many “have to’s.”

Although you don’t want to overthink things (which, as New Yorkers, we’re very good at), it’s worth taking some time to determine how to ease yourself and your family into the school year with minimal stress.

Here are the biggies to think about:

Sleep-Schedule Switchover: We often let kids stay up later during non-school months. The trick is to gradually acclimate them to school sleep mode. Try putting them to bed 15 minutes earlier every few days until they’re back to “regular” bedtimes. This strategy has a big pay-off when it comes to the early morning wake-up: They’ll be able to handle it!

No “Clothes Calls”: Everyone should lay out his/her clothes the night before – yes, that includes you. The complete outfit, including socks, shoes, hair accessories, etc. should be set out together in one regular, pre-defined place in the house every night. Sounds ridiculously simple – but having to track down an errant sock or your favorite earrings can be a real time killer.

Door Jam: Leave items you and your crew need for the next school/work day by the door or actually in front of it. It’s hard to forget a backpack or purse that you’ll likely trip over exiting the apartment.

Food Minus the Fiasco: If you know your mornings don’t allow for the preparation of an extravagant breakfast (“extravagant” defined as anything that takes longer than seven minutes to throw together), streamline. Stock the house with healthy cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, low-fat cheese and anything else that’s low maintenance and nutritious. If you need to pack lunches for your kids, do it the night before, no matter how tired you are.

Hoping you have smooth transition and a wonderful school year!