Education

The shift back to “school mode” can feel like an abrupt end to summer. With a little planning, though, families can make the transition easier on everybody and foster a healthier, less stressful start to the school year. Better sleep routines The transition starts with inching toward healthier habits, and that includes better sleep hygiene. Summer break often means later nights and slower mornings, which make those early school wake-ups a particular challenge if your kid goes

You’re cut off in traffic, and you’d really like to lean on the horn and yell a few choice words, but something stops you. You know how tricky that intersection can be, and escalating the situation into road rage won’t help anyone. The jolt of anger passes, and you move on with your day.

No matter what grade your child is in, a fresh school year is a time filled with possibilities. Setting goals can help kids stay motivated, develop good habits and measure their progress as they grow and develop.

Parents today face a shifting landscape when it comes to technology in schools, so being aware of a school’s policies on technology use is essential.

Getting kids out the door in the morning or to bed at night can feel like a daily battle. If you’re tired of reminding, rushing and repeating yourself, a routine chart can help.

As families settle into a new school year, change is everywhere. New classrooms, new routines, changing friendships and growing independence all require children to adapt. While some transitions are exciting, others are much harder — and children don’t always have the words to tell us what they’re experiencing.

If you are a parent of a child or teen with a skateboarding or cycling hobby, you’ve no doubt seen your share of bumps and scrapes. If you’re lucky, those injuries have been minor. However, there is a danger inherent to bikes, skateboards, skates and scooters that can escalate injury probability as well as seriousness. You might not be able to avoid the small stuff, but planning ahead might prevent (or prepare you for) something more serious.

This annual reading program began in 2006 to encourage children to read. In teams of typically four to five, students read books from a designated list. They then “battle” against other teams in a question-and-answer style tournament. Teams earn points for correct answers. Winning teams advance and can even compete at a regional level.