Quick Tips To
Back To School Success

college planning articles and tips

While summer is still in the air, fall is fast on its heels. Back to school time is coming up! Whether your child is heading back to campus for another year or transitioning from high school grad to nervous freshman, college life is no easy feat. Make the transition smooth with these quick tips for back to school success.

Start your shopping early

Whether you're getting dorm supplies for college students, or a new backpack for your preschooler, shopping early means less crowded stores and a better-stocked inventory. Shop early and often, and watch for sales. Textbooks are the biggest bugaboo for any college student, so saving money anyway you can in this area will make room for more purchases to be ready and set for college life.

Protect devices

Keep devices secure from theft -- including identity theft -- with locking programs and security systems. One to consider is Lifelock, which offers 24/7 customer support, monitors credit scores and safeguards lost credit cards. Identity theft can happen at any age, and protecting your child's devices can be a valuable teaching moment for safeguarding personal information.

Check in with school on tech

Check in with school on tech discounts. Schools purchase bulk licenses that may entitle your student to everything from free antivirus software to free word processing. If you're in the market for a new laptop or tablet, find out about educational discounts offered through school. Start early so your student can adjust to her new equipment before day one.

Teach cell phone etiquette

If your child has a cell phone or smartphone, discuss phone etiquette. Your child should not answer the phone or place calls or texts in class, but may use phone calculators, cameras, or apps in the classroom. Practice using these cell phone functions with a young child; with an older child, go over the rules so they're fresh in his mind. For an added bonus of their identity protection, Lifelock also updates its followers and members through social networking with information, news, and tips to stay informed. It's an added peace of mind knowing your child can hop on their smartphone to stay safe.

Teach information literacy

Wikipedia is useful for a quick guide to anything from cellular reactions to reality television, but if your college student has to write papers or give reports, it's not going to cut it. Look up an unknown word in the dictionary, or read through online newspaper websites for quick information literacy skills building.

Do a dry run

Practice timing before school starts to avoid chronic lateness or morning rush. If your child's moving up to a new school, drive to campus and spend time there so your child can begin to adjust smoothly. This works well with children of any age, but especially for young children who may have school anxieties

Checklists

While you know what your child needs to start school on the best foot, your child may have other concerns. Ask her what she needs to get ready for school. Just because you have the backpack and books doesn't mean she's mentally or emotionally prepared for the new school year. Make a checklist and make sure you hit on every possible need. From extra towels to extra pencils, college students can never have too much stocked away.

Stay supportive

As you check in with your child, remain supportive about his anxieties. Is he feeling nervous about the SATs? Purchase practice test books or discuss SAT tutoring. Is he afraid of not making the varsity basketball team? Make sure he's got enough time to hit the baskets. Back to school isn't all about books and tech toys.

Set Ground Rules

Parenting may relax over the summer, but make it clear to your children you'll be enforcing the rules this fall. Start by making sure she's on track of summer reading and any other pre-class homework that's been assigned. Taper bedtime back to school-year levels so she can adjust her sleep schedule.

Savor Summer

While you're prepping for the new school year, take time to savor summer. Whether it's beach trips, camping, pool parties, or late-night sleepovers your children love, give them the time to indulge in summer before it's back to work in the fall. Prepare for this next school year by investing in your child's safety, future, and experiences.

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