Heading back to school can be stressful for kids and their parents. Instead of struggling during the first few weeks of school, implement these six tips before school starts.

1. Re-establish the School Routine When school starts, your children won’t be able to lounge all day in their pajamas. A week or two before school starts, begin following the school schedule including bed, wake up and meal times.

2. Encourage Independence Teach your children how to handle school hours without assistance from you. Preschool children must be able to tie their shoes and care for bathroom needs while older children need to write down homework assignments and organize, school materials.

3. Tour the School If your child is attending a new school, a tour before the first day helps to ease their fears. Seeing the classroom and meeting the teacher will prepare your kids for the first day of school.

4. Arrange Before and After School Child Care Programs Working parents need to arrange child day care for before and after school or on days when school is not in session. Available child care programs or a babysitter keeps your children safe, social and on task academically. Remember to sign necessary school forms that allow caregivers to pick up or drop off your kids at school as well.

5. Buy School Supplies New pencils, notebooks and clothing set the mood for school. These items also give your kids pride and build excitement for the first few school days.

6. Organize a Launch Pad A launch pad is a bench or other spot that holds backpacks and to-do lists. When you children keep their school gear in the designated spot, getting out of the door in the mornings is smooth as opposed to chaotic.

Good luck and have a great school year!

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