It's still nearly three weeks until the first day of school for most area children, but it's the perfect time to begin to shift their attitudes and their habits.
One of the first things parents can do is begin to slowly change those late night bedtimes to accommodate the time kids will need to awaken to meet their buses.
Start with going to bed 15 minutes earlier and getting up 15 minutes earlier and move to 30 minutes, then an hour.
It's also time, if parents haven't done it already, to look at supply lists the schools sent home and shop while stores have sales.
Educators recommend parents and children also discuss goals for the new year.
They can range from speaking up in class more to trying to make the honor roll. The conversations should discuss steps to ensure the goal will be realized.
Every year can be exciting, especially in elementary and secondary school, because students have so many opportunities to participate in extra projects, field trips or after-school programs.
These things not only enhance the learning experience, they can make the difference in whether a child is happy about going to school.
Now is the time to begin to plan a weekly calender of activities, such as music lessons or a sport after school.
There's comfort in having a sense of control about the activities for the week. Both parents and children can see when there will be welcome free time.
Children should also review safety rules involving the school routine. That means talking about rules for walking to and from the bus, such as using sidewalks, and behavior on the buses.
Chubb Group of Insurance Cos. has a good list of tips that include reviewing online rules for students and double checking the routines and environment for latchkey kids, who go home to an empty house.
That includes keeping an emergency contact list on the fridge and, if possible, telling a close neighbor if a child might be home alone.
It also means making sure smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are functional and reviewing the rules for answering the phone when adults aren't home.
Parents also should help their children become more organized as they head back to school, which is a key component to doing well in school, said William Glass, Danbury deputy superintendent.
That includes making a space -- no matter how modest -- for students to do their homework assignments and a place to put supplies and to store their backpacks every night.
Students could even lay out their clothes the night before school days, so mornings are not so hectic.
Organization can help students better manage their time, which Glass said becomes increasingly important as school coursework becomes more rigorous.
Schools have found students these days can use tips on interpersonal skills, too, Glass said. Maybe that's because so many spend time alone or in parallel play with their peers on electronic devices instead of interacting.
I'd recommend families put electronic devices off limits for part of every day. Learning to make eye contact and conversation will help children flourish.
Enjoy the rest of the summer as you lay the groundwork for a great new school year.