Back to School Tips

Just got home from a week of vacation, and we're trying to get a normal sleep routine in place before preschool begins--wish us luck. But before I head off to bed I wanted to share a few last BTS tips with the Momtrends community. SchoolPulse.com is a new online kid management system. They aim make it easier for parents to manage the jam-packed schedules of their kids. I didn't test the system, but apparently the community site helps room mothers, coaches, den mothers, and PTO leaders stay connected. I asked the founder John Boynton how SchoolPulse can help time-challenged families:

SchoolPulse simplifies family life by giving parents simple tools to communicate with teachers, coaches, room parents, and other activity leaders. Every member has a personalized homepage, calendar, and membership in groups for every activity in which their children are involved. These groups include discussion boards, wish lists, and photo sharing. The activity leaders – teachers, room parents, PTA leaders, coaches – can distribute schedules, invite parents to meetings, post classroom wish lists, and recruit volunteers using simple online tools. With a centralized place to share, everyone gets and gives what they need efficiently and expeditiously. It’s a one-stop shop for kid management.

Don't forget a treat for your new student. Verymeri tees are perfect. Send your kid off with a positive attitude in his Preschool Rocks, Kindergarten Rocks or First Grade Rocks tee. ($24) I also love this The Laptop Lunch Bento Box Set I saw it in the latest Parents issue (read more at laptoplunches.com) $26.95.

One last tip: Don't dress your preschooler in layers and layers--remember trips to the bathroom (aka potty) need to be fuss-free. Good luck and let me know how the first day goes. And get ready to find out the winners of the August contests--I'll announce early this week.