Getting adjusted to a new school year can bring jitters to students and families alike. But there are many things that can be done to help children settle in to school life. Following is a list of tips that can help parents ease school year stress for their children and themselves.

You can help your younger children by ensuring they know:

• Their full name, address and phone number
• How to take outer clothing off and put it back on
• How to take care of their basic toilet needs
• How to be patient and wait their turn

You can help younger children with their daily routine:

• Establish a regular bedtime that ensures adequate rest
• Help your children learn letters, numbers, colors and shapes
• Read to your children daily
• Let your children learn by trying new activities
• Talk about making friends and doing new activities

For older students, let them know you are interested:

• Talk to your children about friends, classes and activities
• Teach your children how to set goals
• Encourage them to be involved in extracurricular activities
• Give them the opportunity to try new skills
• Plan with them how to budget their time

As a parent, it is suggested that you:

• Establish definite times and location for homework
• Attend parent-teacher conferences
• Keep the school calendar handy
• Stay informed about school events
• Know your children’s friends