Back to School Family Handbook

Going "Back to School"?
Don't forget family time.

When kids go back to school it means a complete change of lifestyle for the whole family. Whether the "kid" is leaving for college or entering pre-school, everybody's daily routine changes. There are multiple schedules to meet, shorter daylight hours, new challenges and less time to take care of all the essentials. On the other hand, some parents of college-age kids look forward to having the house all to themselves for the first time in nearly twenty years, going wild with dinner parties, cruises and the freedom of impromptu vacations, leaving their children to wonder what's gotten into them.

In this area, we've got tips and techniques for managing these "back to school" changes and creating a fuller lifestyle for all involved. Are you looking for creative (and tasty!) after-school projects? Does your family sacrifice dining time together because of extra-curricular activities? Are your kids sneaking in junk food for lunch instead of nutritious meals? Do parents skip their own breakfasts because they're too busy making breakfasts and lunches for the little ones?

Going back to school can be both exciting and stressful, yet we've got ways to make it fun, rich and fulfilling for every member of the family. After all, the care-free lifestyle of summer is again a full nine months away—so why not make the best of the time you have now? Our experts show you how.