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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, August 12, 2003

Keeping it simple, sane for return to school

Advertiser Staff

For lots of kids (and their parents), the first day of school is just around the corner.

Parents magazine offers these tips to help you gear up, stay sane and help your children have a productive year:

Shelve the morning madness

  • Do as much as you can the night before. Pack their backpacks and have them pick out their clothes. Put their lunch in the refrigerator.
  • Keep to a routine. Do required activities such as eating breakfast, brushing teeth and getting dressed in the same order each morning.
  • Keep the TV off. Watching cartoons and videos distracts from the tasks at hand.

Get children excited about school

  • Check out the playground and classroom. Visit before school starts to let them become familiar with the school grounds.
  • Celebrate "school supply" day. Let children choose their own backpacks, pencil cases, lunchboxes and accessories.
  • Make connections. Get a list of the other kids in the class, arrange playdates or a little "back-to-school" party.

Tear-free goodbyes

  • Make every effort to be at school on time so you don't disrupt the morning routine and children can start activities with everyone else.
  • Don't linger. Let children know you'll be there to pick them up and say "See you later!" once they get involved in an activity.
  • Bring a friend from home. Ask the teacher whether children can bring a stuffed animal to keep in the cubby in case they need comforting.
  • Learn the other kids' names. Calling children's classmates by name makes school seem familiar and safe.

Other school-savvy advice

  • Vary lunchbox items and snack ideas.
  • Buy inexpensive but stylish sneakers.
  • Get the backpack that's "cool."