By Staff
Trips have been made to the nearby stores for brightly colored backpacks, pencils and paper.
In their new clothes children are lining up at bus stops anticipating seeing their friends and meeting new teachers.
Preparing children for school is a costly project.
More important, though, is the need to talk to your children about their safety.
Teaching your children about being aware of strangers, not walking in front of the bus and other ways to be safe should not be done in a one-time lecture.
Continual communication with your children is important to reinforce the message of how much you care and how important it is when they are on their own that they must be aware of their surroundings.
Our world isn't the same as the days of Father Knows Best and Leave it to Beaver.
Danger can lurk in the form of an adult who has the responsibility of our children's welfare.
They may be a teacher or coach. Impress that no adult should be allowed to threaten or bribe to make your child keep quiet about their actions.
Don't forget the Internet also presents additional dangers and unknowns to your children.
This isn't a time to just relax and be glad your responsibility is lessened as your kids aren't under your wing 24/7.
Keep communication open and ask them about their day - every day.
Be aware of changes in their behavior, such as if they are suddenly shy or afraid.
Going to school presents the world with all its possibilities.
Unfortunately, dangers also are waiting. Keep your children alert to those dangers and their experience can be wonderful.