1. If you have a teenager who is now driving, you need to check with the school on policy for driving to school. Most often you will need a school parking tag for your car and there is certain places you can park.

2. Have you moved recently to another school district or another state?  Call your new school district and find out school your kids will be going to in your area.  Call your school and find out what all you need to do to get the kids registered.   Be prepared to need immunization records, birth certificates, social security cards.  Some places might need some other tests.  We just moved to West Virginia and found out my son needed a TB test to go to school.

3. Has the kids and your schedule changed for the summer?  A week or so before school starts, have the kids and your self go to bed early. Set the alarm clocks for the time you will be getting up for when school starts.

Even try some practice runs on getting up, the kids together, making lunches, getting to school bus stops and/or dropping kids off at school.  Making those practice runs will help so you don't run into problems that first day of school.

4. Find out the bus schedule and what bus stops your kids will be picked up/dropped off at.   You might want to pick a bus stop that is easier for your kids to get home.  Pick a bus stop that has less busy roads that the kids have to cross.

5. Find out if there is school dress codes to follow so there are no surprise after spending money on new clothes, and your kids can't wear them.

6. Pick backpacks that your kids can carry.  See if school allows or even requires to have backpacks that have wheels on them.

7. Do you have a little one starting school for the first time?  Check to see if the school will have Kindergarten orientation. These will help the kids meet there teachers, check out the class room, and you can get answers to any questions you have. Let the kids wander the halls a little to get a feel for the school and help with any fears. Answer any questions your kids might have about going to school.  This meeting also is a good time to get out in the open if your child has any special needs, special diets, etc so the school can accommodate for those needs.

8. Making school lunches for the kids? Make sure your kids can get all containers open. Make sure you have a cold pack with the lunch if anything needs to be kept cold.  Are your kids buying lunch? Try to get the school lunch schedule so there are no surprises when your child goes to buy lunch and finds they don't like what the cafeteria is serving.

Hopefully these tips can help you and your children off to a good start. Going Back to school can be exciting and stressful at the same time for parents and kids.  Talk with your kids about any fears they might have about going to school or questions they have.  Open communication about going back to school or even starting school will help things go more smoothly and make the experience good all around for everyone.

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