KidSource Calendar/Back to School

Resources for Parents

Summer provides a nice break from school, but the fun doesn't have to stop just because school starts. September is often one of the nicest months weather-wise. Plan a family get-away for a weekend, or even a day, and enjoy the great outdoors.

Asthma is one of the leading causes of missed school. Find out what you can do by checking the resources listed in Back to School with Asthma .

If both parents are working outside the home and after-school child care is needed, read the article Approaches to School-Age Child Care. It offers a comprehensive look at the best approach for various ages.

After a fun summer, the start of school is more than just packing a lunch. Great ideas can be found in the article Back to School Time - Tips to Help Children Adjust.

If you've just moved into a new area, the article Moving? Choosing a School? Sources of Information on Individual Schools and School Districts might provide useful information.

Research studies consistently reveal that high student achievement and self-esteem are closely related to positive parental participation in education. Read the article How Can I Be Involved in My Child's Education? for more details.

Once again, be sure your child is getting enough sleep. If he's used to staying up late and sleeping in, the adjustment might take time. Start a week before the beginning of the school year.

To find out the cut-off date for kindergarten entrance in your state, visit the Education Commission of the States web site at www.ecs.org. After you Enter, type "Kindergarten: State Characteristics" in the quick search box in the right frame. This will lead you to a table with the cutoff dates. In some states, kindergarten is not a requirement. In fact, in some areas it isn't offered.

Success in the early school years is vitally important. The article Kindergarten Readiness can help parents assess their child's readiness for entering kindergarten.

What is a Quality Preschool Program? offers information on how to select the right preschool program for your child.

Hands-on Math for Preschoolers shows that there are numerous ways to have fun with your preschooler while incorporating a little "learning" into the mix.

It's natural to want to protect your child and be with him in new situations such as the start of school, but it's also healthy to take a step back and watch him flourish. A good compromise is volunteering to work in the classroom. It can benefit you as well as the teacher.

As your child gains independence, keep in mind that cuddles and hugs aren't to be forgotten. A child's world grows in these years, but it can be scary. Reassurance is a positive thing.

Continue to visit the public library on a regular basis. Don't forget the occasional trip to the county library, which is usually grander in scale and impressive to those who love books.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) gives parents, teachers, and care-givers tips on making back-to-school time safe. The information contained in the article CPSC Offers Back to School Safety Tips is timeless.

Summer friendships can be lasting friendships, but they need to be cultivated. Don't lose sight of friends as school approaches. There's room for the old as well as the new.

Introduce yourself to your child's teacher. Make sure she knows that you care, that you want your child to succeed, and that you'd like to help. Work to be on the same team as the teacher, not in opposition.

If there's a chance your child will need special help in any area, seek an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) right away. Work with the school to provide the best learning environment for your child.

Teachers want students to start the school year with good study habits. There might be homework assigned the first day of school! Set up a quiet work place in the home, and make it a daily routine.

Be sure there's plenty of time for physical activity once school starts. Whether through an organized team sport such as soccer or just riding bikes in the neighborhood, it's important to set positive life-long habits.

Try instituting a M-Th no television rule. It's amazing what can be accomplished with those extra hours. Better communication, more reading, board games, family time--the list is endless.

Once your child reaches the age of not wanting you around and not needing after-school care, he's at the age when he shouldn't be left alone for hours after school. It's an inquisitive time, and without supervision he just might start experimenting with questionable activities.

Busy teens are usually happy teens. Whether your child is involved in sports, drama, music, speech, or club activities, it can keep him busy--with no "extra" time on his hands.

Consider having your house the one at which the kids hang out. That way you know where they are and what they're doing, and can stay more closely in tune with your child's needs and desires.

School transitions are usually major events in the lives of students and parents. The stresses created by these transitions can be minimized when the new environment is responsive to each particular age group. The Transition to Middle School gives tips for successful transition.

Middle School Partnership offers resource information for teachers and parents.

Keep the lines of communication open with your high school student. Find out what's good about the new school year, and what seems stressful. Offer a sympathetic ear.

If your child is struggling in school, don't wait to get help. Talk with a counselor and look into available tutoring.