Tips for getting your kids ready to go back to school! NO...say it isn't so!

No matter who you are, you are probably noticing the signs that summer is winding down and the madness of "Back to School" has already started! Between the ads for penny glue and pencils, all the apparel stores are having massive sales on their clothes. Suddenly there is a mad rush to "squeeze it all in" before school starts. Our family vacation is the week before school starts, so it feels like we have even less time. Whatever happened to the "lazy days of summer"?! Here are some tips to help your kids transition from the relaxed summer schedule into school mode:

• Start getting the kids to bed earlier, and waking up earlier. Set the alarm for the time you will need to get up once school starts. Consistent dinner times, bed time routines and bed times will pay off.
• Plan at least one hour per day of school-type work - keep it simple (i.e. reading, worksheets, spelling, math drills). Get the brain working! Even casual games and puzzles can stimulate the mind.
• Start shopping for school supplies. Check with your school/teachers to see what is needed most. If you see some great deals, try to pick up some extras - there are always calls for donations of paper, crayons, etc.
• After going through last years clothes to see what still fits, start shopping for back to school clothes. Kids love the idea of a new outfit for the first day of school to help give them a sense of confidence and individuality. Don't forget the shoes - plan to spend a little extra to get a longer lasting, more durable shoe.
• Plan a late summer play-date with children who will be in your kid's class to help with the first day jitters. It will be so comforting to your child to see a familiar face when they walk into class.
• Think about lunch. Will you pack a lunch or will your child buy? Discuss the options in advance and allow your child to participate in the decision.
• Consider after-school options. Where will your child go after school — to the library, home, a friend's house, or the Boys & Girls Club? Discuss and have a plan in place so both you and your child are prepared.
• Be positive and enthusiastic and help your child get excited about going back to school. Communication is key. Ask your child about their day after school. Find out what their favorite classes are and what food they like or dislike in the cafeteria and what classmates they get along with best. 
  

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get a HarperCollins book set. For more information on how you can participate, click here.