The Back To School Issue 2023

Sponsored by Amazon

Emma Chao/Fatherly; Courtesy of Nirvana, AOL, Nike, Casio; Getty Images

BACK TO SCHOOL ’23: A Time For Reinvention.

More than anything, the return of the school year offers families an opportunity to reinvent ourselves. Kids come back with personal styles honed and new experiences to share. Parents fire up more efficient routines with renewed personal and professional goals. Everyone gets to pick out a new pair of sneakers and, why not, a cool new bag. 'Tis the season.

Fatherly’s Back-To-School issue is dedicated to renewal and reinvention — whether in what you read, watch, wear, or even how you get to school. Small shifts can lead to big changes in the way the family sees and interacts with the world. It's part of the learning experience and, hey, it's always fun to shake things up a bit. So have at it — and happy learning.

adventurous alternatives

5 Far-Better Ways To Commute To School

By Barry Greene Jr.

The car drop-off line makes the school commute a soul-crushing grind. It doesn't have to be this way.

seize the season

24 Super Freaking Fun Things You Need To Do Before School Starts

By Christian Dashiell and Julia Holmes
parenting

9 Essential Parenting Books To Help Your Kid Thrive In School

By Christian Dashiell

Parenting books for tackling back-to-school challenges that don't talk down to parents.

Read Together

15 Essential Chapter Books For Elementary School Kids

By Caseen Gaines

These new and classic chapter books invite your young ones into complex worlds that they can understand.

Watch Together

The Best Back-to-School TV Episodes For Every Age

By James Grebey

Timeless back-to-school episodes for kids, from toddlerhood through high school.

the big picture

Nonfiction Picture Books That Kids Will Ask For Every Night

Twelve truly great nonfiction children’s pictures books for kids who are curious about the world.

Prep School

8 Spreads, Sauces, And Ingredients That Take School Lunches To The Next Level

These easy-to-make ingredients take streamline prep and help you send lunches that send your kids the right message.

pure nostalgia

What Your Child’s Nineties-Inspired Back-To-School Accessories Reveal About You As A Parent

Are our kids reliving the ’90s through all of our cool stuff? Let’s explore.