Getting ready for the school year, but we're not talking about supplies

It's nearly back to school-time, which means last minute preparations for the new school year. It's important though to plan for more than just what school supplies you'll be buying.

"You have to have a specific place for your kids to do their homework," Mary Friona-Celani, a mommy blogger, said.

As summer winds down the transition into the school routine can be tough. That's why experts and Friona-Celani, recommend getting your child back into the rhythm of a school-night bedtime weeks in advance.

"Stick to that bedtime. Make sure they are not tired and cranky in the morning," Friona-Celani said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children ages 6 to 12 get nine to twelve hours of sleep a night.

One of the most important things any parent can do, Friona-Celani said, is to identify your child's spark and foster it.

"If they are a little bit into history, do research of some of the cool things in your town."

Students often complain of their teacher. A common mistake Friona-Celani often see's though is parents talking bad about their child's teachers. She suggested that parents should always support their teacher or at least approach the situation objectively. This will help make students respect and understand what there teacher is trying to do.

The website care.com has a list of all the things to help with the back-to-school process. Three things it mentions though are:

1. Create a family calendar that tracks everyone's activities
2. Organize weekly meetings with your kids about their upcoming schedule
3. Set up a regular alarm clock that signals the start of homework time

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