Shift your schedules

Start at least a week before classes begin getting everyone to bed on time and having them get into the swing of school before they need to. You might want to give an “assignment” at the beginning of the week for everyone in the family (parents included!) to create a project of their own, which they’ll turn in the night before school starts. No pop quizzes, please!

Practice for the real thing

• One of the best incentives to learn is when you’re not in a classroom. Summer can be an adventure in finding out what, exactly, excites your child.
• Visit the library as a family and discuss the books you take home.
• Go on a day trip to a historic site or spend time in a museum.
• Go to outdoor concerts for music appreciation.
• Get some foreign language tapes and practice at the dinner table.
• Encourage your kids to create a movie or scrapbook with pictures or videos of your vacation.
• Go shopping for a new backpack, school supplies, and clothes as your budget allows.

Back to school certainly doesn’t mean the end of good times. When you prepare for what’s about to happen, the transition can be rewarding for everyone.

See these timely resources:

Back to School

Part-time Jobs

Teens and Smoking

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Issue: August 2007