Back to School Simple and Stress-Free: Part 4

With a little planning, you can make going back to school simple and stress-free.

By GreatSchools Staff

As the lazy days of summer slip away, it will soon be time to put away the beach chairs and corner lemonade stands and prepare for going back to school. Here are some tips to make the transition easier.

Prepare for the homework ahead

Having set routines and a place to study at home will make it easier for your child to be organized and successful at school.

•Set up a well-lit, quiet place with a good work surface to do homework. Try to keep this place dedicated to homework and free of other clutter.

•Establish a regular homework time. This will help your student to complete assignments on time.

•Discourage distractions such as television, radio, the Internet or phone conversations during homework time.

Arrange for transportation

Everyone will feel better if transportation to and from school is addressed well before the start of the school year, particularly if your child is walking, riding his bike or taking the bus.

Walking or biking

•Chart out a route to school or to the school bus stop.

•If your child is going to a new school, take a dry run a few days before school starts.

•Go over the rules of stranger awareness and traffic safety. Warn your child to always walk with a friend, and to avoid vacant lots and places where there are not a lot of people.

•Be sure your child has your daytime phone number (including area code) and address, as well as the number of another familiar adult.

•Scout out safe houses in the neighborhood where your child can go in case of an emergency.

Taking the bus

•Remember to get the new bus schedule!

•If your child will be taking the bus for the first time, discuss the bus route and bus safety rules with her.

Driving

•If you will be driving your child, have a backup arrangement with another parent in case you are delayed for some reason.

•Confirm carpool arrangements in advance and make sure your child knows who will be picking him up before and after school.

•Become familiar with your school's traffic safety rules, drop-off and pick-up procedures.