Are you an Overly Protective Parent?

Do you constantly monitor your kids every move. Is the day filled with warnings and cautions, "be careful" and "don't touch that"?

Naturally, we worry about our children and don't want anything bad to happen to them. But... being overprotective is not the best route to take. In fact, it actually does more harm than good. When we overprotect our kids we keep them from learning the key skills they need to handle the challenges they will face in life and keep them from becoming self sufficient adults. 

This week I had a chance to talk "Overprotective Parenting" on Studio 5 with Brooke Walker. 

Want to know if you are an overprotective parent? 

Want to know how to stop overprotecting your kids?

Take a few minutes and watch the segment. I share the key to knowing if you are overprotective and some great tips for not being too overprotective. It's a good reminder for all of us. 

Bringing Books to Life with Netflix #StreamTeam

As a Netflix Ambassador, it is really fun to be able to share the exciting things that Netflix is doing each month. This month is all about bringing books to life on the big screen, and our family had a blast reading and watching together.

Here's what we did. Each of our kids looked at the Netflix list of movies based on books.

"13 Great Titles Based on Children's Books on Netflix" 

Our eleven and a half year old son choose to read "Hugo." Our 8 year old daughter choose "Charlotte's Web." She even read my original copy that I read when I was a young girl. Our 5 year old daughter choose "The Little Engine that Could", and our 2 year old wanted in on the action and choose "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."

The plan was that when they were done reading their book, we would sit down as a family and watch the movie version of the book together. Family movie watching complete with popcorn and treats. 

We had so much fun talking about how the movies where similar and different from the books. 

These are books that many of us grew up reading ourselves. 

This time of year, when our families are working to spend more time together, these Netflix movies are a great resource. Regardless of if you watch TV a lot, or a little. There are so many ways to use Netflix at your house. 

p.s Next on the "to watch list" is Babysitter's Club. Did any of you grow up reading that series of books? They were my favorite! Especially the "Summer Specials" because the books were always longer. I still have all of my old books. Just waiting for our daughter to get a little bit older so she can start reading. 

Big Kids 1.Hugo 2.Escape to Witch Mountain NEW! 3.James and the Giant Peach 4.The Baby-Sitters Club 5.Goosebumps 6.A Wrinkle in Time Little Kids 1. Charlotte's Web NEW! 2.The Velveteen Rabbit 3.The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Stories 4.The Magic School Bus 5.The Little Engine That Could 6.Stuart Little 2 7.Tall Tales: The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, The Snowy Day, I Stink! and Trashy Town

Stressed Out Kids-How To Help Our Children Deal With Stress

Our children just finished up their first full week of the new school year. And although we have worked to prepare them in advance, they are stressed out. All of them. Even the 2 year old knows that things are different, as she has lost her three favorite playmates to school each day and wonders where they are and when they are going to come home. I can see it in their actions and feel it in their little spirits. New classrooms and teachers mean things are unfamiliar. They are already taking spelling tests and writing essays, and can feel the pressures around them to do more and be more.

Just like adults, children experience stress. As parents, it is easy to become so busy that we mistake the signs of stress from our children for defiance and misbehavior. Not realizing that what our children are trying to tell us is that they are stressed out!

For our children, stress usually comes from two sources.
1. A situation that is unfamiliar. This might be a new school class, when a parent gets a new job or goes out of town, even houseguests cause stress.
2. The pressure to perform. There are tests at school, competition on the fields and in extracurricular activities, and social pressures to look, dress and act a certain way. Add these together and our children feel pressure from every side to get good grades, score the winning goal, perform the piano piece perfectly AND be class president. Little ones also experience the pressure to perform. "Eat all your food", "keep your pants dry", "share your toys", "go to sleep".

Signs of Stress
Misbehaving
Disobedience
Increase in crying and throwing fits
Tired
Unwilling to do anything or try new things
Easily frustrated
Lack of patience
Anger
Lethargic
Unresponsive
Won't cooperate
Excess Crying
Unreasonable
Tired
Any behavior that is out of the ordinary

What We Can Do To Help

Put yourself in their shoes
Think about how we feel when we are stressed. Now imagine being little, having very limited understanding, and on top of that, not really even understanding what is happening. Not to mention, having very little control. Think of it from your child's perspective and it will be a lot easier to be patient and help them. It will also inspire us to help them eliminate the stresses for them.

Be there to listen
Our children want to talk to us. They need to talk to us. They want to be heard and to know they are understood. Often times just simply being understood takes away their stress. Plus, when we hear what they are struggling with and worried about, we can talk about it with them and help. But.... to listen, we have to be available. We have to be at the crossroads (when they come and go from our homes) whenever possible and make ourselves available so that when they are ready to talk, we are there to listen. Remember, children talk at different paces. For example, our daughter wants to talk immediately. Our son needs a few days before he is ready to talk about things. I just need to make sure I am available.

Get Moving (Together)
Just like adults, kids who are active are better able to cope with stresses in life. I know exercise has been a saving grace for me in more than one stressful situation. But in this day and age of technology and video games, kids aren't always quick to get themselves off the couch. So instead of ordering them to "go out and play" or go for a walk, get up and do it with them. Physical activity will make them stronger physically and emotionally. Doing it together will be fun for everyone.

Don't Over-schedule (Eliminate)
There seems to be constant pressure for our children to do it all. Learn two languages, play 4 sports, two instruments and give community service. Even if our kids want to do all these things, it is just too much for them to handle. Good research suggests that kids really only need involvement in one, maybe 2 extracurricular activities. More importantly they need time to play, to imagine, create and spend time with their families. Rushing to get from one activity to another, with little to no down time for our children causes a great deal of stress. Stress that our children don't need. So... take a few minutes to evaluate what your children are involved in and scale back. Instead, schedule time for them to ride bikes, play in the backyard, and make cookies with you.

Help them find their words
Children don't have the life experiences that we have as adults. They don't always know what they are feeling inside because they don't have past experiences to fall back on as a reference. This is where parents come in. When you notice your children demonstrating signs of stress, we need to help them understand what they are feeling and how to handle it. We need to help them put words to the frustration that is overtaking them. As they have more experiences and time passes, they will be able to pinpoint their own emotions, but until then, we need to help.

Self Evaluate-Be a Good Example
When we are stressed out, that passes on to our entire family. Especially to our children. Research suggests that our stress could permanently be altering our child's DNA. That is a big deal. Our children are also more likely to be overweight when WE are stressed. From the time our children are just babies, they sense our stress and respond to it. Often times when our young children are struggling to behave, it is because they are responding to our stress levels. We need to take a step back and evaluate our own lives. Are we over scheduled? Do we live stressful lives. If the answer is yes, we need to cut back and get control of things. Our children will handle stress the same way we do, so we must set a good example.

Get enough sleep
I wish I could get a sky writer to paint this in the sky. Kids need more sleep. When they don't get enough, the world comes to an end. You and I have both seen it in our own homes. When our children are tired it makes is so hard for them to deal with anything, let alone stressful situations

Role Play
Often times our children become stressed because so much of their life is unknown. They enter into experiences not knowing what to expect. We can ease a lot of the stress by explaining new situations before hand and preparing them for what will happen and how things will go. Giving them knowledge will empower them and ease their fears. Less fear means less stress. Once you have explained things, role play. Act out the situations so they can practice what to do. That way, when they are in the situation it will be like auto response for their minds and bodies. Plus, discussion and role play will give them confidence.

How do your children manifest stress?
What have you found helps them deal with their stress?

6 Tips to Prepare for Braces

This is a sponsored post. But all thoughts and opinions are mine. Boy do I wish they had Invisalign when I had braces. 

Our two oldest children are almost 11 and 8. Needless to say we are having to grow and adjust with their new developmental phases. We have gone through our first maturation class, my husband and I are not the only ones who wear deodorant in the house, and we make monthly visits to the orthodontist.

I recall these stages in my own life. Maturation class scared the living begeebers out of me. (I don't even know if begeebers is a word. Probably not). Deodorant made me feel grown up, and braces made me feel vulnerable, ugly and made my mouth hurt. But now in hindsight I am grateful for all three, every day.

My mouth was filled with braces for 2 years. They came off when I was 16 and I can still remember how my mouth ached when they were tightened and how smooth and slimy they were when they came off.  I have always loved turkey sandwiches. I remember trying to eat one for the first time with braces. It was horrible and the bread and turkey jammed behind each bracket. I didn't eat another turkey sandwich for two years. It was the first thing I put in my mouth when I got them off.

Our son has already had his first round of braces. He will have to have another round, full mouth, in a few years. Our daughter will be going in to get her first set of braces in the next two months.

Between my braces, my husband, who had braces after we were married, and now our kids, I have had some experience. Here are some helpful tips if you or your children are thinking about braces.

Braces are a commitment
Whether you are going with traditional braces or new technology like Invisalign, braces are a commitment. For parents and for children. Help your children understand the commitment that is being made before you move forward. My husband and I chatted before he got his braces, and then the two of us sat down with our son and talked about the time and energy that go into braces. We talked through the hygiene commitments, the need to keep appointments and how certain foods needed to be cut out of diets. We also talked about the monetary commitment. The conversation gave my husband and our son a chance to ask lots of questions, express concerns, and better understand the commitment. I even had a friend in high school who had to sign a contract with her parents and orthodontist before she got her braces. Whether you write up a contract or not, sit down and discuss that braces don't just magically take care of themselves.

Educate yourself about all your options
When I got braces, there was just one choice. Braces. Metal mouth and all. Now there are lots of different options. Invisalign is a new alternative to braces and even offers options for pre-teens and teens. The system uses a series of clear aligners made of lightweight plastic that sit smoothly on the teeth. They are comfortable and as effective as traditional braces. Plus, there are no food restrictions, they make it easy to maintain healthy brushing and flossing habits, they don't interfere with sports or other activities, and you can straighten your teach there are no metal wires or brackets to break. Kids can even remove the trays when they eat, brush, or floss. Where was Invisalign when I got braces?

Let them know what to expect
Be sure you take time to talk to your children about what to expect. Don't trick them. Braces do hurt a bit. Not always, but when they get tightened. Explain what it will feel like and what they can do to help. Explain food restrictions, what will happen at appointments, and how to protect their mouths in sports and activities.

Help them understand the end result
Braces take time. The end result is usually years away. Help them see the long term.

Be ready to help
Your children will need help with their braces. They will need help flossing, tightening things, even brushing and dealing with pokey wires and brackets that rub on sensitive gums. Prepare yourself to be okay with the "hands on". And let your kids know that you will always be there to help.

Don't complain about what they can't eat
I have heard parents that complain about the things their family can't eat because someone has braces. This just makes our kids feel bad. Don't do it. And don't buy all the tempting treats that have to be given up and keep them in the house, or let the rest of the family eat then while the one with braces can't.

Braces seem to be a right of passage for our children. With some preparations and good communication, we can make the experience a good one for our children and families.

What food did you miss the most when you had braces?
Anyone use Invisalign?

If you want to know more about Invisalign, you can visit their website, follow them on Facebook and catch up with them on Twitter.

This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Children's Book that Teach Values

Last week, I chatted with Brooke and Darin from Studio 5.

The topic of the segment, "Books that Teach Values."

Books can be such a powerful parenting tool! Are you using them to teach your children?

Have a look at the video. Do you recognize any of the books?

What are some of your favorite Children's Books?

p.s. anyone else love Berenstain Bear Books?

Encouraging Our Children To Practice

Do your kids participate in extra curricular activities? Piano, soccer, violin, baseball etc...

Is it hard to get your kids to practice? Do they complain and whine, do they want to quit?

You are not alone. Getting our kids to practice can bring major stress, arguments and contention into our homes.

The first thing to remember is that practicing does more for our children than just make them better on the piano, or at soccer. Practicing teaches our children valuable life skills.

Self confidence
Self discipline
Time management
Priorities
Goal setting
Follow through
Accountability to others and to themselves
Builds relationships
...just to name a few

We need these qualities throughout our lives. Long after the soccer games and piano practice have ended.

Given that most of us are probably dealing with this on a daily basis, let's talk about some of the commonly asked questions when it comes to our kids and practicing.

Getting our kids to practice can be really frustrating. For parents there can be a fine line between encouraging and pushing too hard.

Can parents push too hard?
Yes, if we are pushing because we have our own agenda. Then we are pushing too hard. If we are pushing and our kids are miserable and not having any fun, then we are pushing too hard.

Realize that if we are going to push our kids, then we need to be willing to be more creative to help our children enjoy the practice and activity. 

What about bribes. Is it ever okay to bribe?
This can be tricky, but we want to try and stay away from using bribes, OR threats of punishment to get our children to practice. Remember, these experiences during our childhood are life experiences that are preparing them for the the rest of their lives. Bribery teaches our kids to only do something IF they get something in return. Bribes undermine the character building and internal motivation that activities can foster. Bribery is probably not on our list of life skills we want our children to learn. :)

Instead of "I will buy you a new toy if you practice the violin", we want our kids to practice the violin because it is the good and right thing to do. Because they are learning a valuable talent and fulfilling commitments to themselves and their teacher, and to us as parents.

To do this, focus on rewards and incentives, instead of bribes.

• don't talk about the gift or treat before, but instead present it AFTER practicing has been done. 
• don't reward for every practice.
• focus on setting goals and once they are met, celebrate. These can be daily, weekly, or monthly depending on what your child needs. 

What do we do when our kids want to quit?

When our kids want to quit, don't immediately let them throw in the towel.

Understand that kids usually want to quit because there is a problem. Try to identify why your child is unhappy in the activity. Could the activity be too hard, could it be that they don't feel like they have any friends on the team, are they over-scheduled, or maybe they don't like the teacher/coach, or would rather do other things.

• First, acknowledge their feelings. It is how THEY perceive things and the feelings are real to them. (Responding with "really", or, "is that so" will help them feel validated)
• Then, ask key questions to gather information..

I thought you liked soccer, what has changed?

What part of baseball are you struggling with?

What solution do you think would make you enjoy piano again?

• Remember to BE PRESENT. Whether it is soccer or piano, Attend practice whenever possible. You will learn a lot about their true feelings. Often times just attending practices will fix the problem. Kids don't like being "sent off" to practice. Even with piano. You don't have to sit at the piano with them, but sit in the same room when they practice. You can read, get on the computer, etc... Comment every now and again on what they are doing. It really does make a difference with practicing. We can't always attend everything. Especially when we have more than one child, or work, but we can do our best to be at practices whenever possible. 

We learned this with our son. He was fighting against piano practice. So, instead of sending him to the piano to practice alone while I made dinner in the kitchen, I sat in the same room with him. It made a huge difference. We also changed to practicing in the morning instead of after school when he was tired. Within a week, the whining and crying stopped.

Lots of time our kids will complain about going to practice, but once they get there they love it and come home and talk about it for the next two hours. This is a pretty good sign that they DON'T need to quit, but address a problem instead.

We went through this with our daughter. She complained on the way to dance every week. Tears and all, but she would always bounce out of dance, so happy she went, already talking about the next week. And then she would come home and practice dancing in the kitchen all night. 

I knew she loved dance and didn't need to quit, but why all the complaining? I asked her what we could do so she would enjoy dance again. She said she needed a break after school. 

I was picking her up from school and immediately taking her to dance on Tuesdays. As a 6 year old, going from a full day of school, to dance was too much. She didn't really want to quit, we just needed to find a way for her to unwind in between. I made some changes so when I picked her up, even though we were still in a hurry, she could relax. 

I was having her change her clothes in the car first. I switched and let her eat a snack, drink, ...first... and instead of snacking and eating in the car while driving, we ate on the grass and she changed in the school bathroom. It changed everything. These small changes stopped the complaining. 

If after asking the questions and observing, you conclude that your kids are in physical or psychological trouble, meaning that they are really, truly, unhappy with the activity, and stopping feels right...

1. It is okay to have them finish out what they have committed to. Finish out the season etc... This teaches them to follow through on their commitments and if it is a team activity, that they have a responsibility to other people. It will give children a sense of accomplishment also. 

2. Find something else that better fits their interest and personality.

Don't loose sight of the big picture. We are helping our children develop life skills. Skills they need forever. These skills are bigger than if they sat at the piano for 20 minutes or 30 minutes. Plus, they are making memories. Do we want their memories to be filled with arguing and stress, or positive experiences and fun?

Getting our children to practice can be difficult and stressful. But, if we will work to make it fun and be open to our children's thoughts and feelings, we can solve the problems and know when to let them stop, and when to help them push through. 

Do your kids complain about practicing?

Do you believe in making your kids finish what they start?

Never Say Never...or Always

In the heat of moments, in the stress of life, it is easy for us as parents, to not choose the best words when we are talking to our children.

Have you ever said...

"You never put your toys away"

"If you don't stop you will never come to the store with me again"

"You and your sister always fight"

As parents, we want to avoid saying words like never or always.

Why?

Words like never and always are very finite and harsh. Telling a child they "never clean up", or "never obey" makes them think...

1. Any effort they have put forth to obey or clean up in the past has been worthless.

2. They don't need to do better or try harder, because no matter what they do, it wont ever be good enough. They will never be able to obey, or clean up the right way. So why try.

These words actually bring out the behaviors in our children, that we say we don't like. They bring out the behaviors we are trying to stop when we say them.

These words also make children feel worthless. They are labels just like calling a child dumb or shy. If we call a child dumb they will start to believe they are dumb, and actually become what we label them. The same with never and always.

In addition...

When we use words like never and always in threats, it is almost impossible to carry out the threats or enforce the consequences.

For example...

Telling our child, "we will never take them to the store again..."

Really? We are really going to be able to go the rest of our lives and never take them into a store with us again? Of course we can't do that. Kids can see right through those threats. Given that the threat is empty, why is the child going to obey? They aren't, because they know that no matter how they act, or what they do, they will get to go to a store with you again. We can't enforce that threat, so they continue to act out.

Never and always can be used to give compliments, "you are always so kind to your sister." Or..."you never misbehave." This is still tricky. Are they always kind, and do they really never misbehave? Of course not. We have to be cautious with how and when we use them.

Have you ever said "never?"

p.s. my husband grew up with a lot of disfunction in his home. A lot of threats, never's and always. I still laugh about a conversation he had with our son when he was about 4. He said "if you don't obey, we will never celebrate your birthday again."

Our son looked at him, laughed, and said "yeah right dad."

Stranger Danger-Talking to Our Children About Strangers

One of my favorite parts about summer, is that the kids are with me most of the day. It is comforting to know where they are and what they are doing. 

Sending them back to school makes me nervous. I am a worrier by nature, so when we are a part I stress about what they might encounter. And I worry about strangers. Stranger Danger is real, and it is a hard topic to discuss with our kids because we don't want to scare them. 

Start by helping your children understand what a stranger is. A stranger is anyone that your family doesn’t know very well. Strangers don’t have to look mean and evil like TV portrays. It is important for children to understand that.  

                                                                                                                                                       

When I was explaining strangers to our daughter, she said, “but we don’t know policemen, so are they strangers?”

Next, distinguish the difference between bad strangers and safe strangers. Safe strangers are those people that our children can go to for help. Firemen, policemen, and teachers are good examples of safe strangers. Talk about the safe strangers in your community.

Once your child understands what a stranger is, you will want to talk about dangerous situations. Explain to your children that anytime an adult…

·      Asks them for directions or help

·      Asks your child to keep a secret

·      Does or says something that makes them uncomfortable

·      Encourages them to disobey you or do something wrong...

They need to get away and tell an adult immediately. This also means explaining to them that they won't get in trouble for "telling on" an adult. Emphasis that they will never get in trouble for "disobeying" and adult when any of the above situations apply. 

Next, role-play situations that your child might be faced with. Remember, role play is one of the most powerful parenting tools we have. Role play prepares your children so that when they are faced with the situation, they have confidence in their abilities, because they feel like they have already handled the situation. It also helps them know just what to do. They don't have to waste precious time trying to decide how they should act. (Helping your children understand that in these situations, it is okay to say “no” to an adult.) Some examples might include…

·      A stranger asks your child if they want a ride home

·      A stranger stops to ask if your child has seen their missing dog

·      A stranger asks your child for directions

·      A stranger asks your child if they want a treat or candy.

Talk to your child about what to do if they are ever faced with one of these situations.

• Never get close to the car, or the stranger. Keep your distance.
• Yell “No” as loud as you can and run away from the stranger.
•  Tell an adult, or safe stranger what has happened right away.

Practice possible dangerous situations so your children know what to do. This will give them more confidence if the situation ever presents itself, and will give you a little peace of mind as you send them out the door each day.

What have you told your children about Strangers?

Is it hard to talk to your kids about strangers?

It it already Tuesday. What are your plans for the week?

Traveling with Kids - 5 Quick Tips

We recently returned from a trip to Park City, here in Utah. We were feeling the need to get away, but wanted to stay fairly close to home. We had a great time. Rode bikes, swam, shopped, ate, and I even took a nap. Gasp! I know. I can't remember the last time I took a nap.

It seems our vacations get better and better every time we take them. Not because of where we go, or even how long we stay, but because my husband and I are getting better at taking a vacation with kids.

The first time we took our kids on a road trip, my husband made it clear we would not be stopping. Now up to this point, when he and I traveled, we didn't need to stop. But with kids in the car. Never stopping just wasn't realistic. Our small children were ornery and impatient.

After 11 years of marriage, 4 kids, and a numer of family trips, things are really starting to look up. This last trip was a success start to finish. In large part by following a few simple suggestions.

1. Be realistic.
Expecting kids to sit in a car or on a plane for hours, without ever moving or stretching their legs, is not realistic. Expecting them to stay out all day without naps is not realistic. Be sure you have realistic expectations for your kids and the trip.

2. Offer familiar foods.
Traveling can really mess with my stomach. I can't image how kids might feel. When you go on vacations, work to offer your children foods they are familiar with and foods that are easily digested. Plus, familiar foods will be one less thing they have to adjust too. Our pediatrician also suggests giving the kids a probiotic such as Culturelle Kids. Culturelle helps keep a natural balance of good bacteria in the digestive tract. So when we travel that means less upset stomachs.

3. Keep a routine.
Even though you are traveling, plan to keep to a normal schedule, best you can. Find a way for your little ones to take their naps, keep meal times consistent and try not to burn the candle at both ends.

4. Always have something to drink.
This might sounds silly, but so many problems can be alleviated with a drink of water. Bringing snacks on a trip are a given, but it is easy to over look having something for our kids to drink. Anticipate being thirsty, and when the whining starts, offer a drink.

5. Plan something kid friendly every day.
Find a few minutes everyday of your trip to do something specifically geared towards the kids. Stop at the park. Go swimming, go for a walk, visit the zoo. This will not only keep things familiar, but let your kids feel like the vacation is for them also.

Although simple, these suggestions will help keep kids happy, which keeps parents happy. That means a happy vacation for everyone. Good things to keep in mind as you take your last "summer" vacations of the year, and start to prep for holiday travel. Find more tips on traveling with your kids.

Do you like to travel with your kids?

What is your best family travel tip?

I was compensated for this post, all opinions expressed are my own.

Back to School Tips

It is hard to believe that we are getting ready to go back to school. Where did the summer go, and how can we rewind and get it back?

I never feel ready for the hustle and bustle that is about to hit and I also miss the kids when they go back to school. 

Back to school is stressful for our kids also. They worry and wonder too. It is a big adjustment and anything we can do to ease their minds will help.

Here are key things that we can do to make Back to School Better for the whole family.

First, here are 2 things just for ME and YOU.

1. Get YOUR good attitude ready.
If we have a good attitude, so will our children. No scoffs or scowls. No complaints about getting up early, or driving, or packing lunches. Be happy, excited, and talk about all the great things that come with school and learning. This also means keeping our emotions at bay. If your child is going to kindergarten and you are sad, try to keep your tears to private time. Even tears of joy worry children. You don't want your five your old to think they should stay home so you won't cry.

2. Clear OUR schedule the first week of school.
Try to clear your schedule the first week of school so that you are available for your kids. Even if they are not going to a new school, the first week is still stressful. If possible, have a lot of down time after school where you are there to listen if they need to talk. Keep your schedule free from obligations so that you are there to help.

Then...

1. Establish a sleeping and eating schedule.
For the next week, be sure that bed times and wake up times, as well as meal times follow your upcoming school schedule. First, it will keep your kids rested so that the first few days are not too overwhelming. Remember, everything is more stressful when we are tired. And it will start to condition their bodies to the new times. The meal times are really important also. It you have been eating lunch at 11 all summer, but they won't eat until 12:15 when they are at school, their little bodies will be huuuungry. Feed them at the appropriate times so they are adjusted.

2. Turn off the TV (especially in the mornings). 
Instead, have your children color, do puzzles, write stories, play games, read or read to them, etc...This will get their brains working and concentrating again. It will also help their attention spans. In a few short days they are going to have to sit and focus and self motivate. Help them start doing that now.

3. Round up the necessary school supplies.
Not only will you be ready, but kids worry about having what they need. For most kids, waiting until the last minute to pack those supplies makes them worry. Do your best to check off the supply list early this week so that your youngsters don't loose sleep over it. An added bonus...your kids won't keep asking every ten minutes when you are going to go get the school supplies because you will already have them.

4. Attend back to school night...visit the school.
This one is really important. Attend back to school night so your children can meet their teachers, see where they are sitting, and get an overall feel of how things work. While you are there, run through the library, playground, lunch room, meeting places for drop off and pick up and anything else they are curious about. Don't rush, so that your children can ask questions and get answers. They will feel much better if they know what to expect and where to go that first day. 

5. Practice.
At least once, twice if you can, take a practice run. Set the alarms, get up, go through the routine, and drive to school. See how things go and trouble shoot any problems. Maybe you need to move where you put the backpacks, or it takes a little longer to drive to school than you thought. Go through the motions and help your kids understand what has to be done each morning to be on time. If your child is going to ride a bus, practice (drive) the bus route also. Rehearse the drop off and pick up locations, and drive the route so kids know how things are going to work. 

6. Find out who else is in your child's class.
Here in Utah, class lists go up tomorrow. We will be looking to see if our kids know any of their class mates. If they do, great, explain that they already know someone. That will ease their mind. If they don't, and your children are worried, think about contacting a few of the children and maybe getting together at the park so they can meet and make friends. Then, on the first day, when they walk in, they will be surrounded by friends, not strangers.

7. Prepare the house.

Take some time before school starts to get the house ready. Designate a Drop Zone. This is a place for backpacks, coats, school papers, etc... All the things that kids like to drop on the floor right inside the door when they come home from school. Kids are much more likely to help keep things clean and organized if they know where things belong. Having a place for these everyday articles will make school go much smoother. It will make finding everything in the morning much easier and less stressful, and it will keep you from feeling like the new school year has taken over your house. 

A little preparation will go a long ways. Preparing ourselves, our families and our homes will make going Back to School a good experience for everyone. 

Are you ready for your kids to go back to school?

How do you prepare for Back to School?

(We talked about most of these tips last year too!)