Going back to school can be an emotional time for both kids and parents. Here's our guide to making sure the new school year starts smoothly.

Routine

Establish a school routine before the end of the holidays. That way the first few days needn't be total chaos. Try to establish appropriate times for going to bed and getting up. Set meal times, plan packed lunches in advance, iron and lay out clothes the day before they're needed and take a week to ease your kids (and the rest of the family) into the new system. It will be hard work, but it'll help you all in the long run.

Shopping

If your child wears a uniform, check it well in advance - they're bound to have outgrown most things from the last school year. Write a list of everything they need, and check their size. Don't leave shopping to the last minute; many staple items (such as grey jumpers, or navy trousers) will sell out. Many shops, such as M&S and Tesco, have great deals such as three-for-two on uniforms to encourage parents to hit the shops in good time.

If they don't wear a uniform, aim to buy a selection of practical, hard-wearing 'school clothes' that will take the place of a uniform. And whatever they wear to school, sew or iron on name labels so that they don't lose it.

As well as clothing, they'll also need book bags and stationery. Talk to your child about what they need and take advantage of back-to-school offers to stockpile for the rest of the term.

Getting to school

Plan the journey to school. If your child has to walk or use public transport, make sure they are comfortable with the route. If anyone's worried, it's a good idea to test run the journey.

Social life

Kids that are moving schools are bound to worry about losing touch with old friends. Organize weekend or after-school play-dates to make sure that this isn't an issue and to show your kids you value their friendships.

Plan your own life around school hours. If you can avoid it, don't try and drag the kids to the supermarket straight after school.

Talk about school

Make the new school year a topic of conversation for a few weeks before term begins. This will give your child every chance to discuss any worries they have with you. If you think your child is overly apprehensive about school, make an effort to help sort out their worries.

If your child had problems at school last year, make sure you talk them through again. They'll need to know you're on their side, and that you're aware of any issues that may be worrying them.

Kids who have been bullied will be particularly apprehensive about starting a new school year. If this is the case, make sure that you've read our article on how to deal with bullying and have an action plan.

Don't be over-ambitious

School can be very tiring, and the first few weeks may be a bit of a struggle. Don't plan any major family activities during the first few weeks of term, especially anything that might take place on weeknights.

If your children want to attend after-school clubs, or take part in any other out of school hours activities, try to spread them through the week so that they don't get too tired.

Get involved in school life

Parents' level of involvement in school life can often help children to settle in. Read our article on how to help your child get the most out of school, for more ideas.