TIP OF THE DAY

Are you on a tight budget? Write down on a small pad the amount of everything you spend, from groceries to a piece of gum. This will help you keep track of where the money is going and hopefully where you can cut off a few cents!

ARTICLE: First Day of School Jitters

Children get a little anxious about going back to school. This anxiety increases if your child is starting a new school or if it´s his or her very first time going. Try calming and reassuring your child that everything will be ok and that feeling this way is common. Here are a few tips:

• Set aside school clothes or uniforms a few days before and comment on how exciting it will be to wear that on the first day.
• Have your child go to bed extra early the night before and read a good school story. (For example: Franklin goes to school)
• Take your child to the supermarket with you and pick out first week´s lunches.
• Talk about your own first days of school and share stories on how you felt nervous, too.
• Take a picture of your child before walking out the door with backpack and name tag ready: this will make the day exciting and nerves will tend to fade.
• If possible, have both mother and father take the child to school on the very first day.
• Prepare a small treat (chocolate bar, pencil, stickers) to take to your child when you pick him or her up from school.
• Try to be there to pick them up on time or as early as possible. They´ll be ready to talk about their day and will want you to be there as soon as they come out.
• Most of all reassure your child that you are there for him or her and that everyone has to go through the first day of school.

GOOD LUCK and the best for BACK TO SCHOOL 2009!