The start of school is only weeks away—a good time to prepare for some of the routines that will make for a smooth transition back to the school year. Getting into a sleep routine before the first week of school will aide in easing the shock of waking up early. Try adjusting wake and bedtime a little bit each day until the start of school. Organizing things at home—backpack, binder, lunchbox or cafeteria money—will help make the first morning go smoothly. Having healthy, yet kid-friendly lunches will help keep them energized throughout the day. Also, walking through the building and visiting your child’s locker and classroom will help ease some of the stress of the first day of school. For more tips on coping with stress and change, visit www.apahelpcenter.org.