After weeks of sleeping late, spending more time on phones and enjoying the freedom that comes with a school break, the alarm clocks are ringing again.
For thousands of Nigerian families, particularly in Lagos, today marks a return to the familiar rhythm of school runs, early-morning preparations, packed lunches, uniforms, homework and the daily race against traffic.
But while parents may be focused on buying books and getting uniforms ready, preparing a child for a new school season goes far beyond shopping.
The transition from holiday mode to school mode can be challenging for children. Some may be excited about seeing friends again, while others may feel anxious about returning to the classroom, meeting new teachers, facing new subjects or adjusting to a different academic routine.
That is why parents need to prepare their children emotionally, physically and academically, not just financially.
Here are five practical ways parents can help their children settle into the new school season.
1. Reset their sleep and morning routine
One of the biggest battles in the first week of school is getting children out of bed.
During holidays, bedtime often becomes flexible. Children may stay awake late watching television, playing games or using their phones, only to wake up much later than they would on a normal school day.
Returning suddenly to early mornings can leave them tired, irritable and unable to concentrate in class.
Parents should therefore help children settle back into a consistent sleep schedule and gradually reinforce the habits they will need for school mornings.
Prepare clothes, bags and other essentials the night before. Encourage children to wake up early, have breakfast and get ready without unnecessary rushing.
A calm morning can make a significant difference to how a child begins the school day.
2. Talk to them about going back to school
Not every child is returning to school with excitement.
A child may be worried about a new class, a new teacher, academic expectations, friendships or simply the pressure of starting another school term.
Parents should create room for honest conversations before and after school resumes.
Ask simple questions such as: What are you looking forward to? Is there anything you are worried about? What would make your first week easier?
Rather than dismissing their concerns, listen carefully and reassure them.
For younger children especially, reminding them that it is normal to feel nervous about change can help reduce anxiety.
Parents should also avoid placing unnecessary academic pressure on children from the first day. The goal should be to help them regain confidence and settle into the new routine.
3. Get school supplies ready — but know your rights
Books, uniforms, stationery and other school requirements are an important part of preparing for resumption.
However, parents should not assume that every item must necessarily be purchased directly from the school.
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), has reminded parents and guardians that they have consumer rights when purchasing items connected to their children’s education.
According to the agency, parents are often given lists of approved books, stationery and uniforms after completing the admission process. But if equivalent approved products are reasonably available from another supplier, parents should generally be free to decide where to make their purchases.
LASCOPA specifically warned against unnecessary restrictions by schools.
For example, where a parent finds the required books or uniform from another supplier at a lower price, a school should not unnecessarily insist that the items must be bought from the school itself.
The agency stated: “Where equivalent approved products are reasonably available elsewhere, parents and guardians should generally be free to choose where to purchase them.”
It added: “A school should not unnecessarily restrict parents from buying equivalent approved books, uniforms or stationery from other suppliers.”
The message is simple: parents should prepare their children’s school materials, but they should also understand their rights as consumers.
LASCOPA urged parents facing consumer protection concerns to speak up and report such grievances to the appropriate authorities.
As the new school season begins, the agency’s advice remains relevant: “You have a choice. Know your rights. Speak up.”
4. Prepare them academically without turning home into another classroom
A new school term comes with new subjects, new topics and fresh academic expectations.
Parents can make the transition easier by encouraging children to revisit some of what they learnt during the previous term or holiday period.
This does not necessarily mean forcing them into hours of revision before school has properly settled in.
Instead, parents can encourage reading, basic mental exercises, educational conversations and other activities that get children thinking again.
For older children, reviewing their previous academic performance can also help identify areas where they need additional support.
If a child struggled with mathematics, reading, science or another subject previously, the new term presents an opportunity to address the problem early rather than waiting until examinations approach.
Parents should also communicate with teachers when necessary and pay attention to changes in their children’s academic performance.
5. Teach them responsibility, confidence and safety
Perhaps the most important preparation is one that cannot be bought in a shop.
Children need to understand that returning to school also means taking greater responsibility for themselves.
Depending on their age, parents can teach them to organise their school bags, take care of their belongings, keep their uniforms properly and complete assignments on time.
They should also be reminded about personal safety — including what to do if they feel threatened, bullied or uncomfortable around another person.
Children should know that they can always speak to a trusted adult when something is wrong.
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For teenagers, conversations about peer pressure, social media, relationships and making responsible decisions are equally important.
Parents should not wait until there is a problem before having these conversations.
The goal is a smooth transition
Back-to-school preparation is often treated as a shopping exercise: buy the books, find the uniform, pack the bag and get the child to school.
But a successful school season requires much more.
Children need enough rest, emotional reassurance, academic support, practical guidance and the confidence to navigate a new term.
For parents, the first day of school is not simply the end of the holiday. It is the beginning of another opportunity to help their children learn, grow and become more independent.
And as schools reopen, parents should remember that preparing their children for school also means preparing themselves, to listen, support, guide and speak up when necessary.