| Summer is over and it's time to get back to school. | | | | would be if she did not complete homework |
| This time can be stressful for many families as they all | | | | assignments on time, or if she got unacceptable |
| try to adjust to new routines. You can lessen this | | | | grades. |
| stress and set up some guidelines by sitting down with | | | | 4. Stranger Danger - Your child will come into contact |
| your children for a family discussion. | | | | with many people while involved with school activities |
| Here are some important things you should be | | | | or while attending classes. It is important to go over |
| discussing with your children, before they head back to | | | | with him or her all of the safety precautions that they |
| school this fall. | | | | need to know to protect themselves from stranger |
| 1. School Bus Safety - It is important to speak to your | | | | danger. |
| child about what kind of behavior you expect from him | | | | 5. Family Emergency - When our daughter was young, |
| or her while they are at the bus stop or riding on the | | | | we gave her a new family password every few |
| school bus. | | | | months. If a family emergency would occur and we |
| 2. Classroom Behavior - Let your child know what kind | | | | would need to send someone to the school to pick her |
| of behavior you expect them to exhibit while at school. | | | | up, they would have to provide the secret family |
| All teachers expect different things from each child, | | | | password to her before she would even leave the |
| remind your child to be respectful of others at all times. | | | | school office with that particular person. Even if your |
| I think this is a good time to bring up the topic of bullying | | | | child knows the person who is picking them up, it is |
| with your child. Let them know how to report this to | | | | important for that person to provide the secret family |
| their school officials and to you, should they know of | | | | password to your child. |
| any children who are being bullied or those who are | | | | Heading back to school doesn't have to be a stressful |
| doing the bullying. | | | | time for you and your family. Take the time out of |
| 3. Homework and Grades - If you expect your children | | | | your busy schedule and communicate with your |
| to follow a homework routine, now is the time to | | | | children about what you expect from them this school |
| outline that routine with them. I found it helpful to let our | | | | year. It is important to be flexible and to have an open |
| daughter know up front what the consequences | | | | door policy in regards to communication. |