| It's the end of July and back to school time is just | | | | for homework assignments and you may want to |
| around the corner. Where did the summer go? My | | | | have extras on hand to donate to your child's |
| daughter just finished kindergarten in June. I look back | | | | classroom throughout the school year. |
| to when she entered kindergarten last fall; I was so | | | | Get Back into the Habit |
| unprepared and confused. What did we need to get? | | | | Most of us tend to break the rules when summer |
| Where did we need to go? What forms did I need the | | | | comes. Daytime lasts longer so we go to bed later; |
| doctor to send in? | | | | which means we may sleep in later. Early August is a |
| I am looking forward to an easier transition this year. I | | | | good time to start reinforcing bed time as well as |
| have some real back to school parenting experience | | | | wake up time. Believe me, this will save a lot of harried |
| under my belt and my daughter loves her school. An | | | | mornings caused by over-sleeping or crankiness due |
| added benefit this year? She's been attending a | | | | to lack of sleep. |
| summer day camp at the school so the environment is | | | | Many parents provide their kids with workbooks of |
| still familiar and friendly to her. | | | | age appropriate homework assignments to do |
| Are you where I was last year, new to your child's | | | | throughout the summer. For those of us who don't, |
| school and unsure of what to do? Or maybe you just | | | | now is a good time to start it up. You can buy the |
| haven't started thinking about it yet? Read on for | | | | workbooks at the Back to School sales. You don't |
| some steps you can take to help you prepare for | | | | have to overload your child with assignments; just |
| back to school time. | | | | enough practice to refresh their memory should do. |
| Vaccinations and Checkups | | | | Play Date Time |
| Make sure your child's vaccinations are up to date. | | | | It's easy for kids to fall out of touch with each other |
| Most schools require your child to have certain | | | | over the summer. Families go on vacation and get |
| vaccinations as well as an up to date physical | | | | involved in summer activities that keep them busy. |
| examination and dental checkup. If you are unsure, | | | | Now is a good time to set up play dates with school |
| contact your school as early as possible so you have | | | | friends your child hasn't seen since school let out. They |
| time to schedule the necessary pediatric and dental | | | | will feel more comfortable when school starts if they |
| appointments. Your pediatrician may also require extra | | | | are surrounded by friendly faces. |
| time to fill out any forms your school requires. | | | | If your child is attending a new school, try to meet |
| School Supplies & New School Clothes | | | | parents at registration and arrange play dates to |
| Shopping for school supplies was always my favorite | | | | acquaint your child with other kids in their grade level. |
| back to school ritual when I was a kid. I loved to pick | | | | Take a Trip to the School |
| out new notebooks and folders with my favorite | | | | Make a visit to their school to get them familiar with |
| cartoon characters and pop stars on them. Most kids | | | | the environment. Many school offices do not open until |
| also love getting a new wardrobe to go with their new | | | | August. If your school isn't open yet, walk around the |
| grade level, even if your school requires the children to | | | | outside and talk about the school layout. Go back |
| wear uniforms. | | | | when it does open and let your child explore the inside |
| Retailers have already started their Back-to-School | | | | as much as is allowed. |
| sales where you can find rock bottom prices on all | | | | Back to school can be an exciting time for kids and |
| school supplies, school uniforms and kids clothes. If you | | | | parents alike. With a little planning ahead, the transition |
| haven't received your child's list of required supplies, it's | | | | from summer to school can be organized and |
| a good idea to start stocking up on the basics like | | | | stress-free for all. |
| paper, pencils, pens, glue and crayons. You'll need them | | | | |