Keeping it simple, sane for return to school

Advertiser Staff

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."