Back to School Tips For Parents

Back to School Tips For Parents
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amy_Blakeslee]Amy Blakeslee

It's the end of July and back to school time is just around the corner. Where did the summer go? My daughter just finished kindergarten in June. I look back to when she entered kindergarten last fall; I was so unprepared and confused. What did we need to get? Where did we need to go? What forms did I need the doctor to send in?
 I am looking forward to an easier transition this year. I have some real back to school parenting experience under my belt and my daughter loves her school. An added benefit this year? She's been attending a summer day camp at the school so the environment is still familiar and friendly to her.
 Are you where I was last year, new to your child's school and unsure of what to do? Or maybe you just haven't started thinking about it yet? Read on for some steps you can take to help you prepare for back to school time.

 Vaccinations and Checkups
 Make sure your child's vaccinations are up to date. Most schools require your child to have certain vaccinations as well as an up to date physical examination and dental checkup. If you are unsure, contact your school as early as possible so you have time to schedule the necessary pediatric and dental appointments. Your pediatrician may also require extra time to fill out any forms your school requires.

 School Supplies & New School Clothes
 Shopping for school supplies was always my favorite back to school ritual when I was a kid. I loved to pick out new notebooks and folders with my favorite cartoon characters and pop stars on them. Most kids also love getting a new wardrobe to go with their new grade level, even if your school requires the children to wear uniforms.
 Retailers have already started their Back-to-School sales where you can find rock bottom prices on all school supplies, school uniforms and kids clothes. If you haven't received your child's list of required supplies, it's a good idea to start stocking up on the basics like paper, pencils, pens, glue and crayons. You'll need them for homework assignments and you may want to have extras on hand to donate to your child's classroom throughout the school year.
 
 Get Back into the Habit
 Most of us tend to break the rules when summer comes. Daytime lasts longer so we go to bed later; which means we may sleep in later. Early August is a good time to start reinforcing bed time as well as wake up time. Believe me, this will save a lot of harried mornings caused by over-sleeping or crankiness due to lack of sleep.
 Many parents provide their kids with workbooks of age appropriate homework assignments to do throughout the summer. For those of us who don't, now is a good time to start it up. You can buy the workbooks at the Back to School sales. You don't have to overload your child with assignments; just enough practice to refresh their memory should do.
 
 Play Date Time
 It's easy for kids to fall out of touch with each other over the summer. Families go on vacation and get involved in summer activities that keep them busy. Now is a good time to set up play dates with school friends your child hasn't seen since school let out. They will feel more comfortable when school starts if they are surrounded by friendly faces.
 If your child is attending a new school, try to meet parents at registration and arrange play dates to acquaint your child with other kids in their grade level.

 Take a Trip to the School
 Make a visit to their school to get them familiar with the environment. Many school offices do not open until August. If your school isn't open yet, walk around the outside and talk about the school layout. Go back when it does open and let your child explore the inside as much as is allowed.
 Back to school can be an exciting time for kids and parents alike. With a little planning ahead, the transition from summer to school can be organized and stress-free for all.

Amy Blakeslee is the CEO and Founder of [http://www.parentainment.com/] and the mother of two young daughters.

Parentainment.com is a unique social networking site that allows moms and dads to connect with other parents, social groups and child care providers, and supplies them with the tools they need to be the best parents they can be, while enabling them to enrich their own lives. The site offers up-to-the-minute parenting news from around the world, blogs for parents and informational articles written by experts and other members. [http://www.parentainment.com/] - have kids and have a life!

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Back-to-School-Tips-For-Parents&id=4756821] Back to School Tips For Parents