Child psychologist Nicole Pierotti talked with the Witness and gave a few handy tips.

Ms Pierotti said it’s worth taking the time to plan ahead.

“It’s best for parents and for kids to start the term in a calm and focused way.  No one needs lost socks or tired kids first day back at school," she said.  

"Invest a little time in preparing for back to school and you will feel calm and in control.  Families are much happier and run smoothly when you start the term off in an organised manner.  

"I usually offers parents five tips on getting their child ready to go back to school."

1.    Get Sleep on Track – holidays are well known for later bedtimes and morning sleep-ins.   Rather than wait until the first day back at school, adjust your child’s bedtime back 15 minutes a night a few nights before, so on the first day of school, they’ll bounce out of bed with ease.

2.    Find those uniforms - The day before school goes back, get your children to organise their uniform, find their shoes, give them a polish, gather their hats and lunchboxes.  You don’t want to be looking for lost socks on the first day of school.

3.    Be lunch box ready – Be sure to organise the grocery list, shop, stock the pantry and plan for the week ahead before school starts.

4.    Replace stationery – Get your children to check their pens, pencils, rubbers, coloured pencils and glue sticks.  Replace any that are past their use.  It’s certainly easier to shop for these in the holidays than running around after school and in-between school activities. Plus your child’s teacher really doesn’t want to be asked about these the first few days back!

5.    Update your timetable – spend 30 minutes updating your timetable with after school activities, sport, choirs, drama, music.  Pencil it in your diary and be sure to print it out and put it on the noticeboard or fridge.  Have it visible not hidden in a file or on a desk somewhere. I love making colour coded ones with a different colour for each child.

Tips for when school starts

Wear backpack load close to the spine - pack the heaviest items nearest to the back.

Children must wear both straps at all times.

Backpacks should always weigh less than 10 per cent of your child’s body weight.

Ensure your child carries only what they need - encourage your child to be organised and check their timetable when packing their bag for school.

To decrease the load your child should have separate folders for each subject so that they can only bring home what they need for homework.

Encourage your child to be physically active – walking to school every day has many benefits.