This article offers parenting advice, including tips for organizing yourself and your children in the weeks before school starts. This article takes the approach that preparation will help to ease the stress of the early weeks of school. A levelheaded parent will help the child to feel calmer during this important time.

It is almost that time of year again. Boys and girls are preparing for another year of school. As a parent of a school-age child, you may be dreading the added stress of shopping for clothes and school supplies, attending the open house (and maybe the uniform sale), and changing your child’s routine in preparation for the new term. Here are some tips to get yourself mentally prepared for this important transition in your child’s life. There is also the fun part of packing lunches and checking homework each night.

Like many parents, you probably work year round. August is just another month in a busy year of parenting. Where do you find the mental energy to accomplish the multiple tasks associated with the first month of school? The best advice is to begin ahead of the game; create a game plan a week or two before the opening of school.

The first step of your game plan is to make a list of tasks that you, the experienced parent, know you will have to prepare. It may include the activities suggested above as well as other tasks that are unique to your child and his/her school. Other possibilities include: scheduling your child for a physical exam or a visit to the eye doctor, arranging after school care or tutoring, and communicating with the parents in your car pool. Whatever your situation, having a list of things to do and check off will help to smooth your way through the overwhelming weeks ahead. If you are levelheaded, your child will feel less stressed during this time.

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