How is it already back to school time? Start your 2019-20 year off on the right foot with these 8 Back to School Tips, presented by …

Plan a Visit. Walk or ride to school. Check out the neighborhood, the carpool line, the entrance. Talk to your child about where you’ll drop off and pickup. If you can, go in and explore the classrooms and office (call ahead to ask).

Meet Your Teacher. Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher & find out how best to communicate with him/her – email, text, app, etc. Share any concerns or special facts about your child.

Set Up a “Work” Area at Home. Create a “special” space in a common area where your child will do homework. Make sure it’s somewhere where you can easily help out if needed. A dedicated area for work sends a message that school is a priority in your house.

Ease into Bedtime. A good night’s sleep is critical to a good day. Ease into earlier bedtimes by putting your child to bed 10-15 minutes earlier the week before school starts.

Plan Your Meals. A healthy, balanced breakfast will go a long way. Look for proteins & whole grains and involve your child in menu planning – take a trip to the market and browse the aisles together. We’re partial to eggs, avocado toast & yogurt parfaits.

Get Organized. We’re suckers for crisp notebooks and pencil cases. Cross reference school lists to make sure you have everything you need, then keep it all organized with labels. Save time and stay organized with personalized labels. They’re scratch resistant, waterproof, dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe and will withstand the rigours of any child’s day!

Get a Checkup. Most schools require updated medical forms to be on file before your child can start. Contact your doctor to get all the info you need.

Plan to Read With Your Child Every Day. That the single biggest predictor of high academic achievement is reading to children. Mom or dad taking the time every day or night (or both!) to sit and read them wonderful books. Here are a few we like for easing back into school.