With the start of the school year, there is no better time than now to create a reading routine with your school-aged child, a toddler or even infant. As a parent, there is much you can do to develop your childs reading skills and set the stage for a lifelong love of books and learning. Show your child that reading is a year-round activity by making reading fun and interesting, and chances are he or she will be eager to read on his or her own.

Especially during the summer, it can be difficult to get your child to a normal sleep routine. Sleep is as important to our health and well-being as food and water, but most of us dont get enough of it. Sleep deprivation is currently one of the most pervasive health concerns in the United States. For children, sleep plays a critical role in their healthy growth and development. Beyond simply affecting childrens moods, behaviors, and academic performances, insufficient sleep has also been associated with lower social skills and learning disabilities.

Excitement and anxiety, a return to routines, and the possibility of a new teacher and new school can all be a part of the back to school experience. This school year, give your children a strong start by preparing in advance to help them make a smooth transition into the classroom.

With the start of the school year, keeping ones family healthy and free of sore throats, stuffy noses, and annoying coughs can be a challenge. However, one simple act repeated throughout the day can help minimize everyones exposure to cold and flu germshand-washing. Hand-washing is the easiest and most effective way to keep nasty bacteria and virus germs away.

The best predictor of reading success is the amount of time children spend reading both in and out of the home. Having a variety of appropriate books at home in your own library makes sharing books convenient, interesting and enjoyable for children of all ages. Its never too early to begin developing your home library. Even the youngest infants and toddlers need books to promote literacy and language development. Home libraries do not have to be expensive. Its not about the quantity of books you have, but more importantly, its about the quality and variety of books to which your child will have access.