Being a parent means that when the end of July, beginning of August comes around, you are scrambling to get your kiddos ready for school. For the hundreds of millions of kids across the US, school is something to dread or wait excitedly for (depending on how their school year ended), and for mommies and daddies, school means preparations, buying school supplies, picking out school clothes, making scheduling adjustments, and lots and lots of hair pulling. Many parents groan in frustration, but their groans can be silenced by simply following these easy tips on preparing you and your kids for the coming school year.

Bright Beginnings and Elementary School

1. When the end of the summer begins to show its shiny head, its time to prepare your kiddos for their school schedule. What does that mean? Well, a simple trick to help get your kids back onto “school time” is to make their bedtimes the same as it would be during the school year. This means that they go to bed earlier than they have been all summer, and they don't get to sleep in. Yes, this means that you don't get that bit of morning peace before the rising storm, but if you get them on schedule now, you won't want have deal with such a big hassle later.

2. The all important school supplies list should be compiled, reviewed, and reviewed again. It is crucial that you leave nothing off the list that your child(ren) might need when school begins. Once the school supplies list has been compiled and reviewed vigorously, shopping may begin. Taking one single trip to the store makes everything so much easier. At many discount stores, you can buy all their school supplies, teacher supplies, clothes, and lunch items all in one place. Sounds simple, right?

The Middle of the Line

1. Once again, school supplies play an important part to school preparedness. Just because they are in middle school doesn't mean that they won't need a plethora of markers, crayons, and other craftsy things. In some cases, the school will ask that you help provide the classroom with classroom supplies and teacher supplies. Why is this? Well, with the rising cost of everything these days, schools are having a harder time providing everything your child's budding brain needs to succeed. Lend your child's school a hand and purchase a few extra packs of paper, tubs of glue, and boxes of markers.

2. Just because they want to appear older doesn't mean that they aren't a little intimidated by the idea of being in a new school. Junior highs are a whole new world for the 5th or 6th grader that enters the hallowed halls of a middle school. Taking your kids on a visit of the school grounds will help them acquaint themselves with the school so that the first day isn't quite so confusing.

3. If your child struggled with a specific subject in elementary school, consider finding a tutor for them. It is important that your child stay on the same academic level as their peers so that they don't fall behind. Falling behind in a subject can be embarrassing, and can cause numerous social and academic problems in the future.

The High Road

1. The SATs and the PSATs are super important tests that absolutely need to be taken once your child enters high school. Do some research and find out when and where the tests are going to take place. Prepare your child for the test by either enrolling them in a pre-testing class or purchasing a study book.

2. Now that your beloved child is in high school, their school schedule and social calendars are going to be more full than ever. Make sure that you keep on top of what your child is doing, not only so you can keep your eye on them, but also so you can stay involved in their lives.

3. High school is the official jumping off point for college. Once your child enters their sophomore year of high school, they should be seriously considering which colleges they would like to attend and what field of study they would like to go into. Preparing for college far in advance helps you plan for their future, and get your super long list of school supplies ready and reviewed.

Getting your child ready for a new year of school shouldn't be a hassle. Knowing what you need by making school supplies lists and knowing what to prepare them for is really going to help make their transition from summer fun to school setting a breeze.