1. Offer a nourishing breakfast before school. Organic granola, yogurt, milk, fruit, and juice make it easy to eat well in the morning, even in a rush.

2. Remind your child that lots of kids are nervous on the first day of school. Teachers understand that most children feel butterflies in their stomachs on the first day and will try to make everyone feel comfortable.

3. Select a well-made backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Pack light, with heavier items closest to the center of the back. A pack should weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of a child’s body weight.

4. Send your student to school with a nutritious lunch. Engage your child in planning lunches for the week ahead so that the lunchbox contains items that won’t wind up in the school wastebasket.

5. Pack a healthy snack, such as organic fruit, a variety of nuts, organic yogurt, or an organic applesauce cup. Dried fruits and pumpkin or sunflower seeds are also nutritious and can be added to your own trail mix creations.

6. Don’t forget drinks! Fill a stainless-steel thermos with organic, 100 percent fruit juice, milk, or water. Kids may be more likely to drink if water is immediately at hand.

7. If your child walks to school, make sure the route is safe with well-trained adult crossing guards at busy intersections. If your child rides a bicycle to school, a bike helmet should always be worn.

8. Designate an inviting area in your home for homework. Keep the tabletop or desk well lighted and free of clutter. Ideally, this will be in a quiet area of the house.

9. Keep television and computer games off-limits during homework time. Help your youngster stay focused by setting some healthy boundaries.

10. Have wholesome snacks available after school. Air-popped organic popcorn, sliced apples with peanut butter, and organic chips and salsa are popular choices.

selected sources

• "Back-to-School Tips,” American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org