Editor's Note: This post was originally published in July 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

The calendar says it's time for kids to head back to school, but this year may look different for your children as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether they are heading back into the classroom or tuning in from home, establishing routines is an important part of getting your whole family set up for a successful school year. Here are a few ways to set your home and family up for success and make the back-to-school transition smoother.

Make Gradual Adjustments

Getting back into the swing of a school schedule takes some time. You can help your kids prepare by slowly adjusting sleep and wake times. The National Sleep Foundation recommends starting the process 10 days to two weeks before the start of school. It's also a good idea to get into a new mealtime routine before homework and after-school commitments end up changing your family's usual snack and meal times.

Program Your Smart Thermostat

From signing papers to packing lunches, parents have many tasks to complete during the back-to-school season. Constantly adjusting the thermostat doesn't have to be one of them. When you program your smart thermostat, you can save energy when you're away and always come home to comfort. For example, the iComfort^® S30 ultra smart thermostat works with your home comfort system to keep your home perfectly cooled or heated. The Smart Away mode uses the GPS in your smartphone to detect when you leave and automatically increase system efficiency. When you return home, Smart Away returns your system to a normal schedule and a comfortable temperature.

Make Your Mornings Work for You

Going back to school doesn't have to lead to a frenzied family in the morning. You can get everyone's day off to a good start by planning ahead. Pack lunches and lay out clothes the night before to create a smoother morning. Be sure to set an alarm and give your kids plenty of time to get dressed, eat breakfast, and gather their things for the day. Younger children may benefit from a visual chart or to-do list that shows what they must do each morning, from brushing their teeth to gathering their items for the school day.

Get Smart About Using Smart Home Technology

In the busy back-to-school season, you can simplify your life by maximizing your smart home technology. Whether you use Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit^™, or Amazon Alexa, Lennox' line of iComfort^® smart thermostats give you powerful control over your comfort. Helping your child with homework while you prepare dinner? Just say: "Hey Alexa, lower the temperature in the kitchen" or "OK Google, set the thermostat to 70 degrees." You don't need to stop what you're doing to create the perfect environment—just say the words.

Start Smart

Before those big yellow buses start meandering through your neighborhood, follow the tips above to establish smart back-to-school routines.