by Lynn CaggianooM.A. blues? Got the back-to-school Dreadingthe tightly-woundschedule Are to that the schoolyear seems keep?

spelling words visionsof reviewing and asyou hurry down the drivewaY hair at the traffic light brushingsnarled ruining your last lazy daysof summer? Don't let this year becomeanother challenge. beat-the-clock never-ending you With just a little preparation, can commotioninto kudosfor you and turn Here'show: your children.

in weekly commitments and other pre-plannedevents.Schedulechores as and school assignments soon as you eachtask needsto be comknow when pleted. Break down larger tasks, such as long-term school projects,into manageable chunks, and schedule time for each smaller step.Finally, when she's asking to arrange a play date, have your child consult her planner for free time slots. This helps alleviate cries of "It's not fair!" while teachingtime management and responsibility.

essary,use a wall chart reward system for preparedness.

4. Be on the school ooteamo' or seven more Yourchildmayspend buttruly each day, hours school in
educatingyour child requiresan active partnershipbetweenhome and school. of Regardless how you may feel personally about a teacher,your child must work with him or her for the entire school year. Never let your child feel tensionbetweenyou and her teacher.If your child is struggling, ask what you can do at home to help-and follow through! Creating a senseofpartnership allows your child to seethat her education is important to you, and that you are working with the teacher, not against her, to help your child achieve academicsuccess.

1. Be prepared
School's coming, whether you like it or not. The Boy Scouts were right when they suggestedthat exemplary scouts are always prepared. So are exemplary parents. Shop for clothes and other supplies as early as possible.Not only will you beat the back-to-schoolcrowds, but malls and stores offer respite from 'oI'm sweltering temperaturesand bored" syndrome.

3. Nighttimeis the right time...

...to get ready for school. Have your child "get ready" for school in the evening. Help her develop self-sufficiency skills by encouragingresponsible Even young behavior and preparedness. chose and pack their own children can lunch with parental assistance,which you can work into your after-dinner routine. Make sure clothes are laid out and backpacks packed before bed. Have your child check his or her planner for special requirements such as library for books or sneakers Phys. Ed. Ifnec34

5. Volunteer
Teachersmay have great ideas for curriculum extensions,but are often short on two critical factors that make these a reality-time and money. Even if you don't have the time to head a parent committee or chaperonea field 334-209-0552 Advenising:

2. Get organized
Help each child choosea weekly planner/assignmentbook. Together, write Parentsr August20I 2 Auburn-Opelika

throughoutthe school day. Too much sugar,found in many popular cereals, fruit juices, andprepackaged'osnacks" can causemid-dayjitters and affect your child's concentraiion. Pack healthy snacks suchas freshor dried 8. Keep your child well-rounded fruit, pretzels, mixes or low-sugar trail Consider schoolyour child's full-time yogurt. For lunch, choosefresh fruits job. No one likes to work all day and andvegetables, proteins(tuna,hard 6. Homeworkis sacred work againat home!Justasyou need boiled eggs,leanlunch meats,lowResistthe urgeto passoff homeworkas mentalandphysicaldowntime,so does sugar,natural peanutbutter) and whole your child. Schedule unimportant,even if you don't underrecreational exor grain products, suchaswhole wheator standthe significance a particular of tra-curricular activitiesthat your child multigrainbreads. Thesecanhelp your Evenmutteringunderyour rnayenjoy,but be carefulnot to over-do assignment. child sustainenergywithout causing breathcan adverselyaff,ectyour ohild2s it. Be sureto leavetime for relaxation oosugar high." Teach your child that attitudetowardschoolwork. vou have and unstructured If play. Encouragesocial a a diet rich in essential vitaminsand concernsabqutthe quality or quantity engagements, recognize but whenyour mineralshelpsbuild the immunesysyour of homeworkassigned, address child needs unwind by himsetf. to tem andhelpsthe body resistdisease. privately.Creatingdaily child's teacher Know for yourselfthat a healthychild quiet time^ and spacefor hornework 9. Early to bedoearly to rise lessschool.If your child has its exemplifies importance. Rising early means havingenough time misses food allergiesor is a fussyeater, make to eat,groomand dress. smoothand A sureyou askyour pediatrician 7. \illlose homework is tt unharried morningroutineallowsyour about anyway?! child to arive at schoolcalm, collected vitamin supplements, rnanyof which Chances you've alreadymastered are andreadyto learn. may be covered basichealthinsurby skills or learned basicsubtraction how anceplans. to write aparcgraph.Your child needs 10. Eat well practiceaswell, evenif independent Low sugarbreakfast and lunch meals Lynn Caggianois an elementaryreading specialist his attempts incorrect.Remember, may help your child remainfocused are
and mom of two.

trip, of'ferto do somethingthat you can reasonably accomplish, example, for a makingphone creating newslel.ter, pricesor stuffing calls,comparing Your child's teacher envelopes. will the appreciate offer andyour child will his see.that enriohing schoolexperience you. is important to

we learn from our mistakes-and so does your child's teacher.Teachers often rely on completed homework to guide instruction. Resistthe urge to over-correcl homework.

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Auburn-Opelika Parentsr August20 l2