A Lesson in Back-To-School Prep

TORONTO, ONTARIO, Aug 27 (MARKET WIRE) --
The team of editors (and parents!) at Canadian Family Magazine have done
their homework and assembled a list of easy back-to-school pointers to
get parents and kids off on the right foot.

"As a mom I know that back-to-school time can create anxiety for many of
us parents when we start thinking about the transition into a new grade,
new teacher and all of the challenges that come with that change," says
Jennifer Reynolds, editor-in-chief, Canadian Family Magazine. "Whether
your teenager is returning to school or it's the first day for your
little one, being prepared is really the key to avoiding a stressful
flurry of to-dos and helping your kids get the most out of their time at
school."

1) MAKE A LIST - From haircuts to highlighters, create a week-by-week
checklist to get everyone ready for school, starting well before the
first day back.

2) BEFRIEND THE TEACHER - Introduce yourself to the teacher.
Familiarizing yourself and the kids with the environment will soothe
anxiety.

3) ENCOURAGE "WHY?" - Top educators note that it is more important to
inspire your child's sense of curiosity than to have them memorize the
alphabet. Promote curiosity by empowering kids to ask questions.

4) PACK BRAIN FOOD - Keep energy levels up in the classroom by packing
smart snacks! Don't forget those healthy omega-3s in snacks that contain
soybeans, flax and pumpkins seeds.

5) CREATE A STUDY SPACE - Create a homework space away from distractions
such as television, telephones and games. Peek in regularly to ensure
they are on track.

6) PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE- Repetition reinforces learning, so
practice reading, writing and math with them for 10 to 15 minutes every
day.

7) GET ORGANZED - Get kids into the habit of using their day planners or
agenda books to write down assignments, practices and special events. Put
exam dates on the family fridge.

8) GIVE PRAISE - The best motivation comes from positive feedback, so
encourage them early to get involved in extra curricular activities such
as sports or academic groups.

9) GET INVOVLED - Plan to take a day off and volunteer some time at a
school event such as a picnic. This will give you some great insight into
the school and the kids.

10) BE AN EARLY BIRD - Share a leisurely breakfast together and chat
about the child's expectations for their first day back. Encourage them
to get to school 30 minutes early to become familiar with the space and
catch up with friends, then they can shift their focus to their new
routine.

About Canadian Family

Canadian Family is a trusted and easy-to-use resource, providing
information on all aspects of family life and parenting. Canadian Family
offers parents comprehensive yet practical advice on a wide array of
topics - health and wellness, education, child development, behavioural
and societal issues, as well as fun family activities.

About St. Joseph Media

St. Joseph Media publishes Canadian Family, FASHION Magazine, Toronto
Life, Weddingbells, Mariage Quebec, WHERE Canada magazines ,Quill & Quire
and Ottawa Magazine. St. Joseph Media is a division of St. Joseph
Communications, Canada's largest privately owned communications company,
with four distinct business platforms: content, print, documents and
media.

Contacts:
For more information or to speak to
Jennifer Reynolds, editor-in-chief, Canadian Family,
please contact:
Veronica O'Brien
416.364.3333 x3143
vobrien@stjosephmedia.com

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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