How can your family transition back to school after summer break?

Preparing children to go back to school after a summer break can be an emotional transition for both parents and students.

It's important for parents to set a plan and begin early to help their families adjust from days of late morning slumber during the summer to early mornings on the go during the school year, says Arminta Jacobson, professor of human development and family studies. Jacobson, who also is director and founder of the UNT Center for Parent Education, has more than 30 years of experience in advising parents on how to adjust to milestones in children's education, such as starting kindergarten or transitioning from middle to high school.

"Parents can help students by analyzing needs before school begins and making a plan," she says.

Here are her tips for parents and students before the first class bell rings:

Be intentional

• Analyze school, work and personal demands. To help, review school packets with information about your child's class and teacher and fill out after-school activity, health and emergency contact forms.
• Reflect on what you want to accomplish on school mornings and set a time to be out the door.
• Create a checklist and buy school supplies and clothes early to beat the crowds.

Plan

• Design a flexible plan for accomplishing goals that can be revised as needed during the year.
• Set clear bedtimes and mealtimes for the school year, and get in the routine well before school starts.
• Help children ease back to school by visiting their schools with them and arranging a meet-and-greet with teachers prior to the first day.

Get organized

• Set up an electronic calendar with reminder alerts for school meetings, after-school activities and other daily tasks.
• Designate a quiet study area in your home for completing homework.
• Organize and label notebooks for different courses and activities. Also create a system for storing backpacks and lunch boxes to prevent clutter and create a sense of order.