Back to School Checklist, by Dr. Brad Schwall

Whether it is going to be your child's first day of Kindergarten or first day of high school, setting goals for the school-year can help in making the year a successful one.

• Stick to a routine - create a routine for certain tasks, homework, and bed-time and morning-time
• Have high expectations - expect that work can be done well and on time, focus on learning and moving towards achieving goals for college and career
  
• Develop a strong parent-teacher relationship - show support and appreciation for your child's teachers, help your student learn how to build positive relationships with teachers
• Be involved in your child's school - volunteer, participate in parent events
  
• Prioritize obligations - avoid being over-scheduled by prioritizing what you and your children pursue, guide older students to manage their time and obligations independently, quality is more important than quantity
• Help your pre-adolescent and adolescent find their place - encourage your child's interests and talents
  
• Be tuned in to your child's peer relationships - have friends over, get to know parents, be aware of the influence your child's peers have
  
• Encourage confidence - affirm effort and pride in work, focus affirmations on your child's sense of pride in self more than your pride, focus on intrinsic motivation more than extrinsic motivation
• Don't rescue your child - instead, equip your child
• Give guidance, but allow for independence