Is your family ready for a new school year? This month Nurse Rona Renner, host of the radio show Childhood Matters and the parenting expert for the Bay Area Discovery Museum, suggests ways to help kids transition to a new school year.

Q. My 5 year old twins are not yet into the routine of going to bed early and getting up for school. I’m starting to yell more than usual, so please help me remember how to get them back into a school day routine.

A. I’m not surprised you’re feeling a bit out of sorts. September is a time of transition for kids and parents alike. Once you’re clear on what you need the kids to do, they’ll be ok after a week or two. Remember that a good substitute for yelling is having a plan and sticking to it!

Here are a few things you can do to help your child develop or get back into a school-time routine:

• A good night sleep is essential for a productive school day. So stick to a bedtime routine and start it early enough so you have time for stories and talking about the day. Most kids do better if there isn’t any high energy play or television watching right before bedtime. Since you have twins (and also for families with siblings) it’s great when you can give some one-on-one attention at bedtime.
• Try and do as much as you can the night before, so the mornings will be easier. Set out clothes, backpacks, and even make part of the lunches ahead of time. If you get up just a little bit earlier than usual, you’ll be more patient and less stressed. You may have an easier time if there is no TV watching in the morning.
• Having a healthy breakfast is a great way to start the day. Kids tend to do better in school when they’ve eaten a good breakfast. If you’re in a big hurry, try a smoothie with yogurt, milk, berries and banana. Your kids can help make it and also drink it in the car.
• At dinner time play “good thing/bad thing.”  Each person has a turn to say one good thing and one bad thing about their day, while the others listen. This is one way to give your kids a chance to let you know if they’re having any problems at school. If your children are  slow-to-warm or they have trouble adapting to change, it may take a few weeks before they feel comfortable in a new classroom, with new friends, or a new teacher.
• Don’t hesitate to call the teacher if your child seems unhappy. If you can volunteer in the classroom, you will get a better idea of what it’s like.
• Have a family talk and acknowledge that you all have to do some adjusting and discuss schedules and routines. Give them a chance to contribute their ideas for routines and plans.  Have a calendar where you can keep track of weekly events and do your best to not “over-book” your kids so they have time for unstructured play.
• And parents take good care of yourselves!  Notice when you’re getting stressed, practice staying calm, and find time to connect with your kids while you all adjust to the start of a new school year.  

Rona Renner, RN, hosts the parenting radio show Childhood Matters, every Sunday from 7-8AM on 98.1 KISS-FM.  Do you have a question about parenting? Sleep?  Setting limits?  Send it to asknurserona(at)badm.org and check out her web site at www.Childhood Matters.org