Another summer is drawing to a close, which means it’s time to swap long, leisurely days for the hustle and bustle of a new school year. For adults and kids alike, the transition is sometimes easier said than done. Here are a few tips to help you and your family get in the back-to-school mindset.

• Ease into a routine. Whether you have a rising kindergartner or a high schooler, now is the time to add some structure back into their day. Set a bedtime and stick with it, and discourage your kids from sleeping in too late. Similarly, you could adjust mealtimes so that they’ll be more in line with your school-year schedule. It may be a good idea to rein in the screen time as well.

• Talk about what’s to come. Younger children, especially, may have some apprehensions about what the new school year will bring. Will they make friends? What will their classroom look like? Who will sit with them on the bus? Paint a picture for them through your words, making sure to talk positively and reminding them that it’s okay to be nervous. Be sure to check in with your older children as well so that they have an opportunity to voice any concerns.

• Get organized. Do a quick lap throughout your home and corral the clutter. Pay particular attention to areas where your kids will be doing homework so that they have a clean and distraction-free workspace. You could also set up a command station in a high-traffic area in your home, such as the kitchen: Install a whiteboard to display the day’s to-dos, appointments, school exams, etc.

• Have a practice run. Kids like to know what’s coming next, so hold a “dress rehearsal” that allows them to experience what the new school year will bring, short of actually attending classes. For younger kids, this is a good time to practice opening and closing lunchboxes and to brush up on proper hygiene and toileting.

Is My Child Ready? Broadening Conceptions of Back to School Readiness [Getting Smart]

Preparing for Back to School [Bright Horizons]

40 A+ Back-to-School Organization Ideas That Are Worth a Try [Good Housekeeping]