Video:Back to School Tips

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Transcript:Back to School Tips

Hi, I am Kathy Moore for About.com. Going back to school can be a stressful time for the whole family. This program will offer some ideas on preparing children for the change that the school year brings.

Practice School Routines

Summertime is very relaxing and unstructured around our house so to ease the transition back to school I start about two weeks beforehand by practicing school bedtimes and wakeup times for the whole family.

Buy School Supplies

I also sit down with each child to review the school supplies list and let them participate in selecting items like backpacks and first day outfits.

Bathroom Behavior

For younger children it is a good idea to get them in the habit of going to the bathroom at set times of the day. Then once school starts be sure they try to go before they leave in the morning, at lunch and before they leave school in the afternoon.

Look for Signs of Stress

Once the school year begins, observe your kids for signs of stress and be ready with calming reassuring words to support them during the transition.

Plan Ahead

Since feeling hurried can cause some of the back to school stress, I try to reduce morning hassles as much as possible by getting my kids to choose and set out their clothes the night before. I also check out their backpacks and get them ready by the front door. Rather than preparing lunches in the morning, I like to get them ready the night before and refrigerate them overnight so they are ready to go. Remember if you are feeling hurried and stressed, you kids may feel it too.

Eat Right

Make sure your kids have enough time to eat a good breakfast before school. It will help them be more alert and start their day out on the right foot.

Talk About School

If your kids are like mine they will love hearing stories of when you went to school. Tell them about your favorite teachers and schoolmates. Hearing these stories offers children an opening to ask questions of share any fears they may have.

Thanks for watching. To learn more visit us on the Web at About.com.