Back-to-School can be a hectic time for the entire family

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Every year, summer comes to an end, and eager children return to the classroom. Back-to-school means back to a daily routine. Planning ahead can help families adjust to the new busy schedule. This school year, G4 Publishing of Tinley Park, (www.thefamily planner.com) wants to make sure every household is prepared by providing 10 simple back-to-school tips. "Back-to-school is an exciting time for both parents and children; however, it can be a stressful time as well," said Patty Grenda, creator of The Family Planner. "As a parent, certified teacher and business owner, I have learned over the years that proper planning and preparation can alleviate the stress in most situations. It is my hope that the following tips will help families adjust to the upcoming school year and make for a smooth transition." 10 Simple Back-to-School Tips: 4Practice getting the children up early one week prior to the first day of school. 4Pick out school clothes the night before. Involving children in the decision-making will save valuable time in the morning. 4Prepare lunches in the evening together as a family. Children love to help out in the kitchen. 4Limit caffeine and sugar intake after dinner. Either can have a negative effect on some children and their ability to fall asleep. 4Reading with your children before bed is a perfect opportunity to wind down and spend quality time together while enjoying a good book. 4Pick a designated spot in the home for doing homework. This "homework spot" should be quiet, well lit and contain all the basic school supplies. 4Have children do homework after school when the lessons are still fresh in their minds. Leaving homework until the evening hours can be counterproductive. 4Offer a healthy snack before or during homework because children are most content on a full stomach. 4Put completed homework directly into backpack to avoid any missing assignments. 4Use a daily planner to keep school functions and extracurricular activities organized throughout the school year. Grenda, president of G4 Publishing, has been quoted in newspapers and magazines nationwide with her planning and organizational tips. Grenda has been seen several times on ABC 7 News in Chicago, as well as heard on "The Mom Show" at World Talk Radio. She will continue to offer organizational tips throughout the year to help families strive to simplify their lives. The Family Planner is a full-size daily planner that begins in August with the new school year. It was specifically designed by a teacher with today's busy family in mind. The weekly view and daily columns make even the most overwhelming schedules manageable. For long-term planning, The Family Planner now contains a monthly calendar. More information is available from Grenda at g4publishing@thefamilyplanner.com.