You can help younger children if they know:

	Their name, address, and phone number
	How to take outer clothing on and off
	How to take care of their basic toilet needs
	How to be patient and wait their turn

Before their first day:

	Establish a bed routine that ensures adequate rest
	Have children spend time one-on-one and in small groups with other children their age
	Help your children learn letters, numbers, colors, and shapes
	Read to your children daily
	Let your children learn by trying new activities
	Practice the route they will take to and from school
	Talk about making friends and doing new activities
	Visit you child's school and classroom if possible

For older students, let them know you are interested:

	Talk to your children about friends, classes and activities
	Teach your children how to set goals
	Encourage them to be involved in extracurricular activities at school, church, and in the community
	Give them opportunities to try new skills and earn recognition for a job well-done
	Plan with them how they will budget their time

As a parent, it is recommended that you:

	Establish definite times and location for homework
	Append parent-teacher conferences
	Join the school's PTA
	Keep the school calendar handy
	Volunteer - opportunities are expanding for working parents, too!
	Stay informed about school events
	Serve on a school or district advisory committee
	Get to know your children's friends
	Teach your children how to say "no" to peer pressure
	Make sure all parties have adult supervision
	Place guidelines on your older children's work schedules

Reprinted from Insights for Parents.