The end of summer is almost here and the back-to-school rush is creeping in. No worries, we will all get through it together. Back-to-school does not have to be a stressful time; in fact it can be fantastic and fun! Here are a few tips:

• One way to decrease school anxiety is helping your child’s transition to a schedule more like what they’ll have when the first day of school, Thursday, August 6^th, rolls around. Don’t wait for the night before to reestablish routines which may have been forgotten over the summer break.
• Take a trip to our Liberty Saddleback campus beforehand. Our Meet the Teacher Open House on Tuesday, August 4^th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. is a good chance to locate your child’s classroom, (re)familiarize them with the campus, and give them a chance to meet their teacher and other staff.
• Keeping your children healthy through the school year can be tough since cold and flu seasons typically spread from person-to-person rather easily. Good hygiene habits, like hand washing, are the best ways to prevent illness. Parents, try to enforce good hygiene behaviors at home, and we will reinforce them at school. Also, talking to your children about covering their mouths with a tissue when they cough or sneeze will help them not spread anything to fellow students. Sending an antibacterial hand gel or lotion with them and instructing them on its use can also potentially cut down on instances of the cold and flu.
• Another way to help your child this school year is to make sure they are eating healthy and getting a balanced diet at home. A colorful mix of fruits and vegetables, dairy, and whole grains (barring any allergies) can help their growing bodies function properly. Don’t forget that old saying—breakfast is the most important meal of the day, whether it comes from home or school. And don’t forget the water bottle. After all as most kids have learned in science class, the human body is 60% water. Just remember hydration is important all year long, even when the weather starts to cool off.