12 Rules for Back to School

Some parents will wait to the last minute to get everything in order but it need not be that way. Here are a few tips to squash back-to-school stress -- before it gets the best of you.

1. Get organized by visiting the school and meeting the teachers.
Most of the preschools and elementary schools offer this as well as some middle schools. It offers the perfect opportunity to ask a few questions, like what to do about a school planner, rules on bullies and sick days, etc,. Some schools offer their own school planner and make it mandatory for kids to use it. Since every company on the face of the earth is making highly appealing, dazzlingly decorated planners for kids, please ask this important question. It will save discussions, tempers and blaming as soon as the child tries to convince you that her favorite character planner is a "must-have-or-I-will-die" one that all her friends are getting.

2. Grab an extra school supply list.
Most of the time, they are at various stores. Parents can just pick them up as they enter. Hold off buying anything until after you meet the teacher. Show the list to her and ask if there is any addition or elimination, and change it accordingly.

3. Get the teacher's e-mail address.
This is how most of the schools communicate in today's society. In addition, ask for a contact number. These come in handy in case you have a question about anything at all.

4. Take a trial run on getting up early at least five days before school.
This helps with solidifying the new schedule and is proven to help prevent cranky kids.

5. Practice bus stop routes and bus stop etiquette.
If your child is riding the bus, don't forget to walk with them to the bus stop and describe what type of behavior the school expects of your child at the bus stop and on the bus. If your child is not at least in the fourth grade, you may want to stay there, if possible, until the bus comes. After the age of 10, he is not going to want you there, so train well up to that age. Never leave your child at the bus stop alone. If there is a known bully, stick around but not right by your child or he will get teased and picked on.

6. If you take your child to school for an early arrival program for working parents, make sure you get to meet the director of this program and ask for typed rules.
Go over them with a fine tooth comb so you will know exactly what to expect: arrival time, meals served, activities, and exception to rules (must go five days a week or lose spot in the program?).

7. If you are planning changes with anything, anything at all, have a family meeting at least one week before school.
This is the perfect time to implement a new school plan for the new year. For example, new homework rules, activities (not too many, I hope), as well as when and what to eat before school and afterwards. This is especially true if your child goes to an after school program. Although many of the schools are cutting back on the handy chip, soda and candy machines, others have new ones.