Nine Great Back-to-School Tips

Tuesday, 24 August 2010 12:08

The lazy days of summer are almost at an end. It's time to get your kids-and yourself-ready for the school year. The good news is that it's possible to "start smart" by following these steps:

• Give everyone time to adjust to the new routine - That might mean making bedtime earlier before school starts. Or you may want to take a little time with your child to put a positive spin on going back to school.
• Do some reading - If your child is younger, introduce him to books about going back to school. If your child is in middle school, consider High School Bound: The Ultimate Guide for High School Success and Survival by Spethman and Klein.
• Get organized - Fill out the paperwork in the information packet your child's school may send out. Locate immunization records. Update emergency contact and health information.
• Go shopping - Take advantage of sales and specials to buy clothes and school supplies. Weed out and donate the clothes your child has outgrown. Keep school dress codes in mind. Don't forget items like combination locks for school lockers and calculators.
• Focus on nutrition - Buy ingredients for healthy meals during weekend shopping trips. Keep in mind the importance of breakfast. If you're packing lunches, include baked chips, low-fat crackers, and 1% milk or 100% fruit juice. Ask older children to pack their own lunches.
• Set priorities - Beware of over-programming your child! Plan for homework and family time. Create a family calendar and put everyone's activities on it.
• Prepare for homework - Give your child a quiet, well-lit place where she can do her do homework. Discourage distractions like TV, radio, and the Internet.
• Arrange for transportation - Whether your child takes the bus, walk, or bikes to school, make sure you've thought everything through before school starts. If you drive your child, make backup arrangements with another parent or join a carpool.
• Confirm after-school plans - Make sure your child knows where he's going after school. If he will be going home alone, set up safety rules, such as locking doors and windows and checking in with you or another adult.