Helpful Back To School Tips

Re-establish Bedtime and Meal Routines
Start having meals at a regular time again at least a week before school starts.

Turn off the TV
Encourage your child to play quiet games, work puzzles and flash cards, color or read. This will ease them back into the learning process.

Designate an Area for Homework
If your child is younger, a special area of the family room or kitchen ensures that you will be readily available to supervise and answer questions.

Freeze a few easy dinners
A few ready-to-eat meals will help eliminate some of the stress that comes with the first week or two or school.

Visit a new school with your child
Help them find their classroom, meet the teacher, navigate the halls and become comfortable with their environment. Be sure to call the school first to make sure the teacher will be available and the visit is appropriate.

Pick the perfect backpack
Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Heavier items should be placed closest to the backpack's center, and the total weight should never exceed 10 to 20 percent of your child's body weight.

Point out the positives
Remind your child that she'll see old friends and make new ones. Give your child a few strategies to manage a difficult situation on their own, while encouraging him/her to report any problems to you or a teacher. Be sure to attempt to maintain open lines of communication with the school to handle such situations.