Back-to-school supplies are showing up in group chats, TikTok feeds and shopping carts earlier and louder than ever. New 2026 research shows kids’ preferences are steering family budgets while parents rethink what they actually need to buy.

How much influence do kids have over what parents buy?

Kids have significant or complete input on more than half of back-to-school purchases. That holds true regardless of how much a family spends, according to Zeta Global’s 2026 back-to-school retail research.

The Zeta Global report  found that AI tools, group chats and social feeds often shape children’s preferences before they arrive at stores or online carts. The research found that a product can go from unknown to must-have within 72 hours after going viral in a child’s feed. That short window gives parents little time to compare prices or check whether a cheaper version would work just as well.

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Why are parents overspending on trendy school supplies?

Social media pressure is pushing parents to spend more than they planned. More than half reported feeling pressure to buy a trendy item for their K-12 student.

Nearly two-thirds of those parents said the pressure had caused them to overspend. The research was discussed by Charles Lindsey, a marketing professor and consumer behavior expert at the University at Buffalo School of Management. Lindsey said social media gives parents and children greater visibility into what other families are buying. “There absolutely is an effect in terms of influencing and causing parents to spend more than they otherwise would,” Lindsey said, as reported in news coverage.

How much more do trendy school supplies cost than basic ones?

At Target this back-to-school season, a trendy pencil case can cost more than three times as much as a plain one. That’s according to a Washington Post price check.

The Washington Post examined school-supply prices during the 2026 back-to-school season and found a basic clear plastic pencil case cost $4. Character versions featuring Minions, Pokémon or Star Wars ran $7. Colored versions cost $10, and a wavy fidget version cost $14. The gap between a bare-bones item and a viral one is often larger than parents expect once they reach the checkout line.

Are parents buying fewer school supplies in 2026?

More than 43% of parents planned to buy fewer products and focus on necessities this year. JLL surveyed 1,022 parents in May 2026.

The JLL back-to-school report  found about 28% planned to reuse supplies they already owned. Another 21% planned to buy cheaper or more basic versions of needed products. Discretionary purchases accounted for 56% of planned back-to-school budgets, down from 60% in 2025, the report said. That marks a second consecutive annual decline in the share of budgets going to non-essential items.

How are parents saving money by reusing supplies?

Many parents are shopping their own homes first, comparing what their kids already have against the teacher’s list before buying anything new.

Parents interviewed by The Washington Post described looking at what could be reused before purchasing new supplies. Annie Redlin, a Minnesota mother of three, had her sons gather leftover supplies. She then compared what they already owned with their teachers’ lists. Redlin said her children could reuse notebooks with only a couple of used pages after removing those pages. She said 75% of what she was sending her children back to school with this year was reused.

Back-to-school shopping is no longer a quick summer sprint. New 2026 research shows families are starting earlier, spreading purchases across more months and continuing to buy well after classes begin.

Why is September becoming a second back-to-school shopping season?

September ranked as the most popular back-to-school shopping month for the third year in a row in 2026, according to Zeta Global, which surveyed 4,354 U.S. parents and guardians in April 2026.

September captured 29 percent of planned shopping intent, ahead of August at 26 percent, July at 24 percent and June at 21 percent. Shopping is spreading more evenly across the calendar. In 2025, 35 percent of families planned to shop in September and only 15 percent in July. Zeta says September is no longer simply when retailers mark down leftover inventory. Consumers are still actively making purchases as the school year begins.

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When are families starting back-to-school shopping in 2026?

About one-third of shoppers had already started browsing or buying by early June 2026, according to the National Retail Federation. That is the highest share NRF has recorded since it began asking the question in 2018.

Gen Z and millennial shoppers posted the largest year-over-year increases in early back-to-school buying. Families are also getting school lists sooner. By early June, 44 percent of shoppers had already received their lists, compared with 38 percent at the same point in 2025. Separately, MRI-Simmons found that 73 percent of parents planned to start back-to-school shopping earlier than normal in 2026.

Do parents keep shopping after school starts?

Yes. MRI-Simmons found that 57 percent of parents plan to shop for school supplies after school begins, even as more families push purchases earlier.

Parents ages 25 to 34 are 20 percent more likely to plan shopping after school begins, the firm found. MRI-Simmons describes the 2026 shopping timeline as “early, extended, and event-driven.” The firm also reported that 78 percent of parents plan their back-to-school shopping around seasonal sales events. Families can be both early shoppers and post-start shoppers, stretching purchases across a longer season.

How do teacher requests create a second shopping wave?

Teachers can send home requests for specific classroom supplies after the first day of school, driving a fresh round of purchases, according to Thomas McMillan, director of the Center for Retailing Innovation at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School.

“This season will also go later than usual because there’s a second wave of shopping that takes place after the school year starts,” McMillan said, according to Texas A&M. McMillan also notes that major sales like Amazon Prime Day are starting as early as June, extending the shopping window on the other end of the calendar.

How are kids and social media changing what ends up on the shopping list?

More than half of back-to-school purchases involve significant or complete input from children, regardless of how much families plan to spend, Zeta found.

Kids arrive at stores or online carts with opinions already shaped by AI tools, group chats and social feeds, according to Zeta. Social media can shift those preferences quickly while the shopping season is underway. Zeta says a product that goes viral in a child’s feed in late August can move from unknown to must-have within 72 hours.

Cold and flu season puts children’s health decisions in front of parents almost every morning, and the “is she too sick for school?” call can feel like a coin flip. Guidance from the CDC and pediatric experts offers concrete markers for when to keep a child home and when it’s safe to send them back.

What children’s health symptoms mean a sick child should stay home?

A child should stay home when they have a fever, have vomited more than twice in the previous 24 hours, are dealing with certain types of diarrhea or have worsening respiratory symptoms not explained by another cause like seasonal allergies, according to CDC guidance.

The CDC’s guidance for when students or staff are sick lists specific thresholds parents can use as a checklist. Vomiting more than twice in the previous 24 hours is a reason to keep a child home. Respiratory symptoms that are worsening, or simply not improving, also warrant staying home, especially when allergies or another known cause don’t explain what’s going on. The American Academy of Pediatrics, through its HealthyChildren.org guidance, adds that any child too sick to participate normally in the school day should stay home.

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What children’s health guidelines say about returning to school after illness

Kids can generally return once they’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine, vomiting has resolved overnight and respiratory symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours, according to the CDC.

After a stomach bug, children should be able to keep down food and liquids in the morning before heading back to class, the CDC says. For respiratory illness, the key benchmark is overall improvement sustained for a full day, not just a brief window of feeling better before breakfast. Parents managing lingering coughs or congestion can use these markers as a practical readiness check. The 24-hour rule is counted while the child is not using fever-reducing medicine.

What should parents consider when making children’s health decisions?

Beyond specific symptoms, parents should look at whether their child can actually participate in a normal school day.

Dr. Tina Ardon, a Mayo Clinic family medicine physician, recommends focusing on a child’s overall behavior and energy. “We don’t want to send our kids to school either, if they’re just not going to be able to participate fully,” Ardon said in Mayo Clinic guidance for parents. She encourages parents to look at their child’s overall behavior and whether they seem well enough to participate fully in the school day. Local school, district or state attendance policies may also differ from general medical guidance, so parents should check their own school’s rules before making the call.

How does keeping sick kids home protect their health at school?

Keeping children home when they’re sick lowers the risk of spreading infections to classmates and staff, protecting kids health across the whole school community.

Ardon says keeping children home until they’re better can help reduce the spread of infectious disease, a point echoed in CDC guidance for schools. Parents can prepare by reviewing their school’s sick-day and return-to-school policies before an illness hits, so they aren’t scrambling when a child wakes up feeling off. Having a plan ready, including backup child care or remote work options, makes the morning decision easier and reduces pressure to send a borderline-sick child in. Both the CDC and pediatric experts frame this as a shared responsibility that keeps classrooms healthier for everyone.

Back-to-school spending is stretching household budgets thinner this year, and the sticker shock does not stop when the first bell rings. Higher prices on basics, brand-name items promoted on social media and a second wave of after-the-fact fees are reshaping how families shop, save and plan.

Thomas McMillan, director of the Center for Retailing Innovation at Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, says families are prioritizing necessities, hunting for promotions and making tougher choices about what children actually need versus what they want.

Why back-to-school spending keeps climbing

McMillan points to inflation and higher product costs as the main forces pushing up the price of basics, according to a Texas A&M interview. He also says tariffs from recent years have become baked into the cost of some products, and that higher oil prices can ripple through the ingredients and materials used to make many everyday items.

Families are feeling the rise in back-to-school spending. One retail industry survey found that 78% of back-to-school shoppers expect higher prices this season.

“The basics are going to cost a little bit more, and that’s squeezing the total budget of the family,” McMillan said.

He also draws a distinction that has become central to how parents approach the aisle. There is the “school list,” which covers required supplies, and the “wish list,” which covers the specific brand or version a child has seen on TikTok or Instagram. A child may need a backpack. A child may want a particular name-brand backpack pushed by an influencer. The gap between the two is where budgets crack.

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How families are cutting back-to-school costs

Parents are adjusting. A JLL back-to-school 2026 shopping report found roughly two-thirds of parents plan to look for sales and coupons this year. More than 43% plan to buy fewer products and focus only on necessities. About 28% plan to reuse existing supplies instead of replacing them, and another 21% plan to buy cheaper or more basic versions of what they need.

McMillan says the shift in back-to-school spending toward promotions and downsized purchases is a direct response to families trying to make the most of a squeezed budget.

How AI can help with back-to-school spending

McMillan says families can also lean on AI tools to compare prices, research products and build a realistic back-to-school budget. Parents can line up different versions of the same item to see which features actually matter for their child, and which are just marketing polish.

He offers a concrete example. A family weighing three laptop models can ask an AI tool to compare them side by side before deciding which one fits best. Shoppers can also ask for less expensive alternatives that deliver similar benefits, which helps separate the must-have from the marketed-to-you.

What hidden back-to-school costs come after school starts

The bigger surprise for many families is what McMillan calls the “hidden second bill.” Once classes begin, extracurricular activities, meal programs, fundraisers and other school fees start hitting household budgets. Teachers may also send home more specific supply requests after seeing what students actually need in the classroom.

McMillan says those later expenses can push back-to-school spending well into the fall. Families with multiple children often plan ahead for the second bill because they have lived through it before.

When back-to-school shopping actually ends

The back-to-school spending season is also getting longer. McMillan says some families now start shopping in June, ride through the big July sales and then hit a second wave of purchases after classes begin and teachers add to the list. For parents, that means back-to-school spending is not a one-weekend expense anymore. It is a rolling expense that lasts most of the summer and bleeds into the school year.

Dropping a kid off at college is one of the biggest transitions a family goes through, and this parents guide breaks down what actually matters on college move-in day so the logistics do not swallow the moment.

What topics should you go over before college move-in day?

The essentials fall into four buckets, confirming logistics with the school, coordinating with the roommate, packing smart and preparing emotionally. Handle those before you leave home and the day itself gets much easier.

Confirm your child’s move-in time slot and building assignment ahead of time, since many schools now use staggered windows to avoid gridlock. Check the school’s packing list against its banned items list because mini fridges, microwaves and hot plates often have size or wattage restrictions that students overlook. Have your student contact their roommate to divide shared items like a fridge, rug or TV so nothing shows up twice. Pack a separate “first night” bag with sheets, toiletries, a phone charger, pajamas and a change of clothes so the basics are not buried in a sea of boxes.

How can parents handle college move-in day logistics without losing their minds?

Bring a collapsible cart or dolly, pack the car in reverse order and expect parking to be chaotic. Those three moves solve most day-of headaches.

Elevators are almost always backed up, and stairwells are common in older dorms, so a wheeled cart of your own pays for itself in one trip. Some campuses require permits or assign specific unloading zones, so read the school’s instructions before you pull in. Pack the car so the last item in is the first item you need out. A basic kit with a screwdriver, command strips, zip ties and extra batteries prevents a lot of last-minute scrambling, and command hooks matter because dorms rarely allow nails.

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The big day is finally here, and move-in day at college brings both nerves and excitement in equal measure. This guide walks you through what to pack, how to survive the chaos and how to start off right with your new roommate. What should college students pack for move-in day? Pack a first-night bag separate […]

What emotional advice matters most for parents on move-in day?

Set a departure time in advance, let your student lead the unpacking and expect a wave of mixed feelings that can include pride, anxiety and grief within the same hour.

“I think parents do struggle a lot with this question of how much to support them and how much to let them chart this new path on their own,” Dr. Jeffrey Arnett, professor of psychology at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, told CNN. “I think the best thing for parents is to make it clear that you’re here if they need you, and you’re always willing to talk and give advice, give support, give encouragement.”

Stephanie Marcello, assistant vice president of academics, integration and innovation at the Behavioral Research and Training Institute at Rutgers, put it this way: “This is a huge transition that can be filled with distress, loss, nostalgia. Let yourself feel it. We want to avoid projecting these feelings onto our college students. Typically, within a month or two, you will notice adjusting to this transition. It is time to prioritize yourself again, and that’s okay if you don’t know what that means.”

What practical to-dos should parents finish before leaving campus?

Swap contact info with the roommate’s parents, scout the nearest pharmacy, urgent care and grocery store, and settle the money conversation before you drive away.

Make sure health insurance cards, prescriptions and medical paperwork end up in your student’s hands, not yours. Agree on a family communication plan, including how often you will check in and which apps you will use. Talk through budgeting and expectations openly, including what you will cover and what your student is expected to pay for with money from a summer or part-time job.

“Be clear about what happens if there is miscommunication (about what constitutes an emergency) or if the money runs out before the month does, how that is all going to work,” Carol Binzer, director of administrative and support services for residence life at Texas A&M University, told U.S. News & World Report.

What items do families forget to pack for college move-in day?

The most commonly forgotten move-in day items are command hooks and strips, a basic tool kit, a step stool, a backup phone charger and a portable battery pack.

These are the things that either get overlooked because they seem obvious or because they do not feel like “college stuff.” Command hooks are essential because most dorms ban nails, and a small step stool helps students reach lofted beds and top closet shelves without borrowing one from a stranger down the hall. A portable battery pack becomes a lifeline during long orientation days when outlets are hard to find.

Back-to-school germs can spread through shared desks, close contact and the many shared spaces kids encounter throughout the school day. They’re hard to dodge entirely, but a few simple habits can help kids keep more of them out of the house.

How can handwashing help kids avoid back-to-school germs?

Regular handwashing with soap and water is one of the best habits parents can teach to cut down on back-to-school germs. Tufts Medical Center pediatrician Charles Hannum, MD, recommends kids wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom and as soon as they get home from school, according to Tufts.

CDC guidance says handwashing at school helps prevent the spread of both respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. When soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol works as a backup. Parents can reinforce the routine at home so kids learn to wash without constant reminders, building the habit into daily life.

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What is the best way to teach kids cough and sneeze etiquette?

Teach kids to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of their elbow instead of their hands, which spread germs to everything they touch next.

Used tissues should go directly into the trash, the CDC says, and kids should wash their hands after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing. Practicing these habits at home can help reinforce the routine and reduce the spread of back-to-school germs, especially for younger kids who may need regular reminders about good hygiene.

How do shared surfaces at school spread germs?

Back-to-school germs can spread through shared objects and close contact, moving easily between items that many kids touch every day.

The CDC recommends routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces and objects such as desks, doorknobs, computer keyboards, phones and toys. Specialized or enhanced cleaning and disinfection is rarely needed outside of specific situations such as an outbreak. Parents can help by wiping down items kids bring home, including lunchboxes, water bottles and backpacks. Reminding kids to keep their hands away from their face during the school day also cuts down on how often germs from shared surfaces reach the eyes, nose and mouth, which is how many respiratory illnesses find a way in.

Why do pediatricians say handwashing is the best defense against school germs?

Cleveland Clinic Children’s pediatrician Dr. Gina Robinson calls handwashing “the simplest and still the best way” to reduce the spread of many germs kids encounter at school, according to Cleveland Clinic.

The CDC says parents and caregivers play an important role in teaching kids when and how to wash their hands, and consistent practice at home helps the habit stick. Making handwashing part of kids’ routines at home, school and play can turn it into a lasting healthy habit that helps limit the spread of back-to-school germs. Combined with covering coughs and good hygiene habits, regular handwashing gives families a practical way to reduce how often back-to-school germs make the trip from classroom to living room.

Rushed mornings, late wake-ups and picky eaters can make breakfast before school hard to squeeze in. When skipping it becomes a regular habit, research suggests kids can feel the effects once the school day starts.

What happens when kids skip breakfast before school?

Skipping breakfast before school can leave kids feeling tired, restless or irritable, with energy and mood often dropping by midmorning, according to Nemours KidsHealth.

Breakfast refuels the body after going without food overnight, so missing it means kids may run low on fuel just as class begins. Nemours also notes that kids who eat breakfast tend to eat healthier overall and are more likely to be physically active than those who skip. Building a morning meal into the routine, even a small one, can help stabilize a child’s mood and energy through those first hours of school, according to Nemours KidsHealth.

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Does breakfast affect memory, attention and school performance?

The American Academy of Pediatrics says regularly missing breakfast means kids miss benefits tied to school performance, and research it cites links eating breakfast with better brain function, memory and attention.

Studies the AAP references have found that kids who eat breakfast perform better on vocabulary tests, math problems and challenging mental tasks. Additional research the group cites found children who ate breakfast before a standardized test scored higher in math, spelling and reading than those who did not. Elizabeth Zmuda, DO, FACOP, FAAP, a lead author of the AAP’s 2026 school nutrition policy statement, has emphasized that school breakfasts, lunches and snacks support learning, growth and health in addition to easing hunger.

How many kids skip breakfast, and why?

The AAP says 13% of school-age kids skip breakfast, and among adolescents ages 12 to 19, the share rises to more than 27% on average.

Reasons vary. Some children are selective eaters or do not like traditional breakfast foods, while others may skip breakfast because they are trying to avoid weight gain, according to the AAP. Rushed mornings can also leave older teens heading to school without time to eat. CDC researchers analyzing nationally representative 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data reported that 17.9% of U.S. high school students ate breakfast on none of the previous seven days. Students who reported earning mostly As or Bs were less likely to skip breakfast every day, though because the study was cross-sectional, the findings show an association and do not prove skipping breakfast causes lower grades.

What are quick breakfast ideas for busy school mornings?

Nemours recommends preparing as much as possible the night before, like setting out dishes and cutting up fruit, so mornings feel less chaotic.

Grab-and-go options include fresh fruit, whole-grain low-sugar cereal, yogurt or smoothies and trail mix. If kids are not hungry first thing in the morning, parents can pack breakfast for them to eat a little later, such as on the bus or between classes. Families can also check whether breakfast is available at their child’s school or daycare, which can take some pressure off busy mornings and help make sure kids get something to eat before the school day begins.

Packing lunch for a picky eater can feel like a daily guessing game. When the lunchbox comes home barely touched, parents wonder whether the problem is the food, the pressure of the cafeteria or something else entirely. Dietitians recommend talking with kids about what they actually like and will eat at school before deciding what to pack.

“It is important to discuss with your child if they like and will eat the food offered at school,” said Angel DiPangrazio, a clinical dietitian at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Here are eight easy lunches for the picky eater in your house, drawn from guidance published by children’s hospitals and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Turkey, cheese and cracker lunch kit

A homemade version of the store-bought lunch kit checks several boxes for a balanced packed lunch. Pack turkey slices, cheese cubes, whole-wheat crackers, a piece of fruit and baby carrots. Nationwide Children’s Hospital lists this exact combination in its school lunch ideas and suggests including three to five food groups in every packed lunch, with a protein and a high-fiber food.

Peanut butter and banana sandwich

For picky eaters who love peanut butter, this familiar favorite has one small twist. Add sliced banana to a peanut butter sandwich, or spread the peanut butter on a whole-wheat tortilla or whole-wheat crackers instead. The American Academy of Pediatrics also suggests pairing peanut butter with raisins or apple slices, and notes that children who help make their own lunches are more likely to eat them. Check your school’s allergy policy before packing nut products.

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Yogurt parfait with strawberries and granola

For picky eaters who prefer sweeter lunches, layer a yogurt cup with strawberries and granola. Nationwide Children’s includes this parfait on its list of school lunch ideas and pairs it with celery, peanut butter and raisins for a full lunch. Confirm your school’s peanut policy first, since some schools prohibit nut products.

Mac and cheese with broccoli and mandarin oranges

Kids who love pasta at home can bring it to school in an insulated container. Children’s Health recommends pairing prepared macaroni and cheese with raw broccoli florets and ranch for dipping, plus mandarin oranges on the side.

Bite-size finger foods for fast eaters

Some kids rush through lunch so they can get to recess. For picky eaters who rush through lunch, CHOC recommends grape tomatoes, sliced cucumber, berries and other bite-size foods that are quick to grab and eat. Sandwiches or wraps can also be easier to eat than soup or leftovers when your kid is racing the clock.

Hummus with crackers and veggies

For picky eaters who enjoy dips, pack a hummus cup with sliced bell peppers, baby tomatoes and whole-wheat crackers, and add grapes on the side. Nationwide Children’s Hospital lists this combination among its school lunch ideas because it covers vegetables, whole grains, fruit and a protein source in one lunchbox.

Quesadilla with fruit and veggies

Rotate quesadillas with other familiar entrees like grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, pasta or meat and cheese with crackers. CHOC recommends building a balanced packed lunch with a grain, a protein, a fruit and a vegetable. Pairing suggestions include cucumbers with strawberries, or bell peppers with grapes or kiwi.

Smaller portions can work better for picky eaters

If your picky eater regularly leaves a large portion of lunch behind, try packing less. Include nutritious snacks they can eat later in the day when their appetite picks up. CHOC suggests options like an apple with cheese or trail mix. And ask your child directly why certain foods keep coming home uneaten. Use their feedback to help decide what to pack next time.

As families settle into the school year, parents are asking how kids nutrition at home connects to what happens in the classroom. University of Mississippi associate professor of early childhood education Kenya Wolff says the habits kids build around food at home can help set them up for the learning day, according to the university.

Why does kids nutrition at home matter for school success?

Kids nutrition starts at home, where children pick up eating patterns by watching their parents and by getting familiar with the foods on the family table, according to Wolff.

“It really does begin at home. Children watch what their parents eat, what they’re served, what they’re familiar with, and that becomes their patterns for life,” Wolff said. Parents do not need to lecture children about healthy choices. Wolff says modeling matters, so letting kids see you reach for fruit or water quietly builds the habit. The University of Mississippi notes that a child’s nutrition at home can positively support their learning day, tying what happens at the family table to what happens in the classroom.

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What should kids eat for breakfast before school?

Wolff recommends a breakfast that includes protein and fiber to help keep blood sugar stable and support concentration through the morning.

When it comes to kids nutrition, rushed weekday mornings can push breakfast to the bottom of the list, but Wolff says it should not be skipped for kids heading into a full school day. It also does not need to be complicated. Simple pairings work, such as toast with peanut butter or yogurt with fruit. Research from the CDC also links eating breakfast to better cognitive performance and stronger academic achievement in students, giving parents another reason to protect that first meal of the day.

How can parents help picky eaters try new foods at school?

Wolff recommends repeated, low-pressure exposure, and says it can take roughly 10 to 15 tries before a child becomes familiar with a new food.

Rather than forcing bites, Wolff suggests letting kids smell an unfamiliar food, watch adults eat it and decide on their own whether to taste it. She reminds children that tastes change over time and uses the phrase “don’t yuck my yum” when someone dislikes a food another person enjoys. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers similar guidance, noting some kids may need 15 to 20 exposures before they start to like a new food. Reviewing the school lunch menu together can also help support kids nutrition by making unfamiliar foods feel more familiar. If hummus is on the menu but new to your child, talk about it at home or serve it at dinner first.

Should kids help prepare meals at home?

Yes. Wolff says children as young as 2, 3 or 4 can help shop for ingredients, measure food and pitch in with simple cooking tasks, and that involvement often makes them more willing to try what they helped make.

Wolff recalls watching “Ratatouille” with her own kids, finding a recipe together and shopping for the ingredients. Ratatouille is still one of their favorite meals now that they are adults. Smoothies and dips are other easy entry points because kids can pick what goes in. AAP guidance echoes this idea, saying greater involvement in choosing and cooking food makes children more likely to eventually try it.

How can kids nutrition habits make mealtime less of a power struggle?

Wolff cautions parents against controlling every detail of what, when, where and how much a child eats, and she says that kind of pressure can backfire with picky eaters.

Instead, give kids appropriate choices. If meatloaf is on the menu for dinner, let your child pick a favorite side. Serve familiar foods alongside something new so kids stay exposed without feeling cornered at the table. When it comes to kids nutrition, Wolff also advises against strict “good food” versus “bad food” labels or making certain foods completely off-limits. AAP guidance takes the same view, telling parents not to punish or pressure kids who refuse food and reminding them that the parent’s job is to provide the food while the child decides whether to eat it.

What is the best kids nutrition tip for the school year?

Wolff’s top recommendation is not about a specific food. It is about the atmosphere around the table. She encourages families to make at least one meal a day relaxed, social and screen-free.

Put phones aside, talk about the day and introduce new foods next to familiar favorites instead of making the unfamiliar dish the centerpiece of the meal. Whether it happens at breakfast or dinner, Wolff says committing to one shared family meal is worth the effort. She adds that kids who eat together and connect with family members tend to develop better nutrition habits, stronger social skills and better performance at school. AAP guidance also recommends shared family meals without media distractions as a way to model healthy eating.

The big day is finally here, and move-in day at college brings both nerves and excitement in equal measure. This guide walks you through what to pack, how to survive the chaos and how to start off right with your new roommate.

What should college students pack for move-in day?

Pack a first-night bag separate from your boxes with sheets, pillow, toiletries, phone charger, cash or card, pajamas and one outfit. This ensures you are set for the first 24 hours no matter what surprises come up.

“Move-in day essentials include your student ID, items for setting up your room, classroom items such as books, computers, notebooks, writing instruments, and pictures from home,” Mary Janz, senior director of housing and residence life at Marquette University, shared. Before you buy anything big, screenshot your dorm’s packing list and room dimensions so nothing arrives too tall or too wide for the space. Check what the school already provides, like a mattress and drawers, versus what you need to bring yourself. Label boxes by destination within the room rather than by contents. A box marked “desk stuff” beats one marked “misc” when you are staring at 20 boxes on the dorm floor.

How can you survive move-in day without burning out?

Stay hydrated, eat properly and take breaks throughout the day. Move-in day is physically and emotionally exhausting, so pacing yourself matters more than getting the room perfect by dinner.

“From heaving all of your suitcases and boxes into your dorm to meeting so many people at once, moving in can be exhausting. Be sure to drink plenty of water, eat, and take breaks to rest and recharge,” Angie Arias, a former Resident Advisor at her college, shared in an advice article for Dorm Therapy. Expect the day to feel rushed and overwhelming. That is normal, not a bad sign. Give yourself permission to feel excited and sad in the same hour. Your room does not have to look perfect at first. Prioritize unpacking the big stuff and worry about where the posters go later.

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How should you handle your roommate on move-in day?

Talk logistics before making assumptions. Cover who gets which side of the room, guest policy, sleep schedule and class schedule as soon as possible, ideally before you get there or within the first few hours together.

Bring a small welcome gesture like snacks to share. It is a low effort way to start on a positive note before you are navigating months of shared space. Say goodbye to family early if long farewells make the transition harder. A quick hug often beats a drawn-out one when everyone is already running on adrenaline. Once your family leaves and you are alone in the room with a stranger, having broken the ice with snacks and a real conversation about expectations goes a long way. The goal on day one is a functional co-living agreement, not a lifelong bond by lunchtime.

What should college move-in look like once you arrive on campus?

Expect logistical friction the moment you pull up. Elevator lines run long, check-in stations back up and parking rules get enforced quickly.

“Elevator lines may be long, or check-in stations may take time,” Janz shared. Bring a cart or dolly even if the school offers loaner ones, because they often run out fast. Park strategically or ask about drop-off zones and time limits, since many schools ticket quickly. Recruit help from parents, siblings or upperclassmen volunteers if the school offers them. Once your room is set, head to orientation. “Many colleges have mandatory orientation activities on move-in day, after people have had a chance to [go to] their dorms. Even if they’re optional, it’s a smart idea to go, since they’re a great chance to meet new people and learn about campus life,” Arias shared.