Back to School

It's hard to believe that summer is almost done and soon, the kiddos will be returning to school with new backpacks filled with new crayons, notebooks, pens and pencils. Soon, it will be back to football games, band practice, after school tutoring sessions and homework (notice that I listed homework as the last item on that list?).
Here are a few things to think about as school bells start ringing class into session again:

• Back to school means that there will be more children walking and riding bikes to school. Please be sure to keep an eye out for them especially in school zones or at cross walks.

• Make sure that your child is up to date on immunizations. Each state has different requirements so check with your healthcare provider to find out what your student needs.

• Many states offer a "tax-free" holiday which means that certain things are not taxable during a set period of time. It's a great way to save money for items your child may need for school.
  

• Kids get nervous when faced with the reality of going to a new class with a new teacher and new classmates. "New" can be scary and overwhelming! Remind your child that many of the other students will be in the same boat and that the teacher will do their best to make them comfortable.

• When buying a backpack for your child, pick one with wide, padded straps and a padded back. It will make it much more comfortable for your munchkin.

• Another note about that backpack, even though little John or Jenny wants to pack every piece of new school stuff into that pack, refrain from doing so. Those packs can get awfully heavy especially when you start adding their lunch in that pack. The lighter the pack, the better.
  

• Don't forget that getting back to school is going akin to us returning to work after a long vacation. We need time to assimilate back into a normal routine and so does your child. Be patient.

• Try to ease your child back into the routine of going back to school by getting them into bed at their normal "school year" hour so they can adjust to waking up earlier.
  

• Teach your child to lay out their school clothing the night before so they won't have to rush in the morning. This will help to eliminate school morning stress.
  

Hope these tips help out in making the back to school transition a little less daunting! Until next time, keep it clean!!