back to school

Six Ways School Kids Manipulate Parents -- and What You Can Do About It

By David Swanson, Psy.D.

Your kid wants to stay up late, avoid homework, hang out with friends, and watch TV and play video games. In short, your school-aged child wants to do everything but go to bed early and do schoolwork. What's more, he has lots of clever ways to wear you down and get his way. » Read more

JM's Best Back-to-School Scrapbooking Ideas

We asked JM moms to send us their best back-to-school scrapbooking ideas. See how they captured their loved one’s big day at school.

Back to School Transition For Families

By Jan Roberts, Parent Educator and Coach

Parents and children alike often have mixed feelings as carefree summer ends and the fall academic year is launched with a bang. Those "school days, school days, good ole golden rule days" are back again, requiring more disciplined routines.  » Read more

Snazzy Lunch Box Ideas

By Stephanie Gallagher

Say Goodbye to Ho-Hum Lunches with These Gourmet Treats They want something more exciting than bologna and cheese. You want them to have something more nutritious than a Pop-Tart. Is there any way to spice up the kids lunches that doesn’t require an hour of advance preparation? You bet! » Read more

School Lunch Ideas

Sometimes it feels like you’re life is on repeat: packing the same peanut butter and jelly sandwich and juice box in your child’s lunch everyday. When the school weeks drag on and your taste buds get bored, try these sandwich alternatives: » Read more

Cool School Lunches

By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers, www.FreshBaby.com

As you know by now, all parents have a different idea of what is healthy food and what is not. For years, you have had the opportunity to hand select and monitor what your child eats for lunch. Now it is time to test their ability. It is only natural for your child's eyes to wander and notice, and be envious of, what the other kids are eating. » Read more

What steps should I take to prepare my child for the beginning of the school year?

The start of the school year can stir anxieties for both child and parent – particularly if your child is attending school for the first time. There are ways to quell your child’s fears and make sure he’s well-prepared, whether he’s a an eager kindergartener or a more seasoned scholar. » Read more

Help Reset Your Child's Internal Clock before School Starts

By Patti Teel, www.pattiteel.com

I have fond memories of my children excitedly preparing for each new school year. With a brand new pair of tennis shoes and backpack, they looked forward to the new school year with both eager anticipation and trepidation. » Read more

First Day of School Survival Guide

After a long lazy summer of staying up later and sleeping in longer-it will soon be time to return to the routine of going back to school. » Read more

Back to School Stresses: 4 Tips to Conquer Them

By Anh Vazquez, www.littlegrad.com

As we drop our children at their classrooms, or watch them hop on the bus, or out of our minivans, thoughts race through our minds… will they eat a healthy lunch, did we spend enough time on their homework… are they making friends.. are we budgeting/saving enough for their future education… and so on. » Read more