Back to School: Supplies, shopping, preparing, reading get ready

8 best cars for teen drivers

Buying a car for your teen to drive to and from high school takes some thought. You might pick something sporty for yourself -- but you want something different for your kids. More>>

Put traffic safety on back-to-school 'to-do' list

As schools open for another year, students, parents and drivers are urged to keep traffic safety in mind. More>>

Kids' vaccine exemptions too easy to obtain

Medical exemptions for vaccinations can compromise group immunity and pose a threat to children and others who really should not be immunized due to underlying health conditions. More>>

Smokers are still high school's "cool kids," study finds

Peer pressure continues to prompt high school students to light up because popular teens tend to smoke and they induce others to take up the habit in an effort to fit in and be liked. More>>

Back to school tips from mom bloggers

Making the transition back to school can be quite a change for kids and parents alike. Here is some advice from a panel of mom bloggers. More>>

Healthy lunch box ideas for back to school

Coming up with healthy lunch box ideas your kids will actually enjoy is not always easy. Here are some suggestions. More>>

Making parental peace with kids' homework

The start of a new school year is edging closer and it might be a good idea for parents to start thinking about how they're going to deal with homework issues, one expert suggests. More>>

Overloaded backpacks can injure kids

As the school season starts, experts warn that overloaded backpacks often result in back injuries among children. More>>

Teens with ADHD may need help making transition to college

For students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, making the transition to college can be especially difficult. More>>

10 ways to save money on back-to-school expenses

It can cost $500 to get an elementary school student ready for class, and twice that for a high school student. Here are some ways to lower that number. More>>

How to quell 9th-grade angst

Parents can play a key role in helping their children transition successfully from middle school to the more complex and challenging environment of high school. More>>

Four back to school tips to stay organized

Getting ready for the back to school rush doesn't have to be hard. Here are some tips to get you and your kids organized. More>>

Shots should be on college kids' back-to-school list

Immunizations aren't just for young children -- college students need them, too. More>>

Keep back to school panic to a minimum

If your house is unprepared to go back to school, here's some tips on how to get everybody back on track before fall. More>>

Summer homework battles

You're still sitting on the beach, but unfinished summer projects for school -- posters, reading assignments, essays -- loom large. Here's how to make the job less painful. More>>

Fun ways to stop summer brain drain

During summer vacation, kids can experience a month or more of learning loss. As a parent, you can halt the summer brain drain and give your kids the brain boost they need to prepare them for the upcoming school year. More>>

Back-to-school shopping for your dog

While parents spend about $600 a year per child in back-to-school purchases, pet parents will find it far less expensive to outfit their pooch for training classes or doggie day care. But as with any kind of shopping, it pays to research and compare before making your purchasing decisions.
More>>

Get Involved in Your Child's EducationMore>>
Back to school tips from mom bloggers
Back to school tips from mom bloggers
Making the transition back to school can be quite a change for kids and parents alike. Here is some advice from a panel of mom bloggers.
Making the transition back to school can be quite a change for kids and parents alike. Here is some advice from a panel of mom bloggers.
Summer homework battles
Summer homework battles
You're still sitting on the beach, but unfinished summer projects for school -- posters, reading assignments, essays -- loom large. Here's how to make the job less painful.
You're still sitting on the beach, but unfinished summer projects for school -- posters, reading assignments, essays -- loom large. Here's how to make the job less painful.
Fun ways to stop summer brain drain
Fun ways to stop summer brain drain
During summer vacation, kids can experience a month or more of learning loss. As a parent, you can halt the summer brain drain and give your kids the brain boost they need to prepare them for the upcoming school year.
During summer vacation, kids can experience a month or more of learning loss. As a parent, you can halt the summer brain drain and give your kids the brain boost they need to prepare them for the upcoming school year.
Saving cash on college textbooks: E-book rental services compared
Saving cash on college textbooks: E-book rental services compared
Recently Amazon launched a Kindle textbook rental service to compete with several other services designed to save college kids some cash. Here's a look at how e-textbook programs compare.
Preparing your child for middle school
Preparing your child for middle school
Making the transition from elementary school to middle school can be exciting and scary at the same time. Learn what you can do to smooth the move.
When the final bell rings: Afterschool care for your kids
When the final bell rings: Afterschool care for your kids
When you're a working parent, figuring out what to do with your children after school can be a major concern. Learn how afterschool programs can help.
Family Involvement is Important
When parents get involved in education, their kids do better in school. Yet many parents don't realize how important it is to get involved in their children's learning.
- Help Your Child Improve in Test-Taking
- How Can I Support My Gifted Child?

Healthy KidsMore>>
Kids' vaccine exemptions too easy to obtain
Kids' vaccine exemptions too easy to obtain
Medical exemptions for vaccinations can compromise group immunity and pose a threat to children and others who really should not be immunized due to underlying health conditions.
Medical exemptions for vaccinations can compromise group immunity and pose a threat to children and others who really should not be immunized due to underlying health conditions.
Smokers are still high school's "cool kids," study finds
Smokers are still high school's "cool kids," study finds
Peer pressure continues to prompt high school students to light up because popular teens tend to smoke and they induce others to take up the habit in an effort to fit in and be liked.
Peer pressure continues to prompt high school students to light up because popular teens tend to smoke and they induce others to take up the habit in an effort to fit in and be liked.
Healthy lunch box ideas for back to school
Healthy lunch box ideas for back to school
Coming up with healthy lunch box ideas your kids will actually enjoy is not always easy. Here are some suggestions.
Coming up with healthy lunch box ideas your kids will actually enjoy is not always easy. Here are some suggestions.
What you may not know about your school nurse
What you may not know about your school nurse
Your school nurse's responsibilities go beyond fixing scrapes. Here's a primer on her role -- and how to help her help you.
Keep your kids safe in sports
Keep your kids safe in sports
Every year, nearly 2 million kids are treated in emergency rooms for sports-related injuries. Here's how to keep them safe.
Summer athletes need to take extra precaution
Summer athletes need to take extra precaution
Hot weather can cause problems – even for healthy individuals. Any type of training in heat and humidity can put children and teens at risk of heat exhaustion and, in extreme cases, circulatory collapse or heat stroke.
Healthy Breakfasts on the Run
It’s easy to make sure kids eat breakfast. Just keep breakfast foods on hand and keep them in convenient spots for kids to grab!
- 10 quick, nutritious breakfasts
Fun and Nutritious Lunches for Kids
Looking for something besides that boring old sandwich to pack in your child's lunch? Try some fun (yet nutritious) alternatives to spice up your child's lunchbox!
Fun Recipes for Kids in the Kitchen
Research shows that children are more open to tasting new foods when they help prepare them. Let your kids help out in the kitchen with these easy to make recipes.
Creating Smart Snacks for Kids
More families are turning to snacks for quick-meal solutions. Try these delicious suggestions that are sure to suit a range of snacking occasions for you and your kids.

Know What's SafeMore>>
Put traffic safety on back-to-school 'to-do' list
Put traffic safety on back-to-school 'to-do' list
As schools open for another year, students, parents and drivers are urged to keep traffic safety in mind.
As schools open for another year, students, parents and drivers are urged to keep traffic safety in mind.
Is Your School Playground a Safe Place?
Each year, more than 200,000 children go to U.S. hospital emergency rooms with injuries associated with playground equipment. Use this simple checklist to help make sure your school playground is a safe place to play.
Creating a Safe School Environment
These action steps will show how parents and students can help be a part of a school's effort to create an orderly, respectful environment.
Parents Guide to the Internet
Like most parents, you probably have rules for how your children should deal with strangers, and how far from home they're allowed to travel. It's important to make similar rules for your children's Internet use and to be aware of their online activities.
Teaching Conflict Resolution
Too many of our young people are caught up in conflicts every day that they do not know how to manage -- teasing, jealousy, and physical aggression. Teaching youth how to manage conflict in a productive way can help reduce incidents of violent behavior.
Choosing After-School Child Care
There are many options for school-age child care. Each offers advantages and disadvantages, and none is right for all children under all circumstances. Here are some things to watch for when choosing child care for your child.

Sponsored VideoMore>>
Find your son or daughter through adoption
Find your son or daughter through adoption
Produced for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Produced for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption - Parents discuss their experiences with foster care adoption.

Reading Lists and TipsMore>>
Building a Family Library
Building a Family Library
Provided by Reading is Fundamental What's Involved? A home library doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive to provide rich reading experiences. Fancy books aren’t necessarily the best way to capture
Tips for Back to School Reading and Beyond
Tips for Back to School Reading and Beyond
Research shows that parental involvement in developing their children's love of literature is critical to raising lifelong readers. As family schedules are reorganized
10 Tips for Choosing Books for Children of All Ages
10 Tips for Choosing Books for Children of All Ages
Provided by Reading is Fundamental Have children choose their own books as soon as they start showing a preference for one over another. Find the children's section of your local library. Get to know
Choosing Books for Young Children
Choosing Books for Young Children
Provided by Reading is Fundamental Books about familiar objects, people, and events are reassuring to young children. Books can also excite them about new ideas and places. Some books help children build
Choosing Books for Pre-Teens and Teens
Choosing Books for Pre-Teens and Teens
Provided by Reading is Fundamental Choose books that preteens and teens like: Preteens and teens are increasingly interested in local, national, and international current events. Read editorials and

Back to School ShoppingMore>>
8 best cars for teen drivers
8 best cars for teen drivers
Buying a car for your teen to drive to and from high school takes some thought. You might pick something sporty for yourself -- but you want something different for your kids.
Buying a car for your teen to drive to and from high school takes some thought. You might pick something sporty for yourself -- but you want something different for your kids.
10 ways to save money on back-to-school expenses
10 ways to save money on back-to-school expenses
It can cost $500 to get an elementary school student ready for class, and twice that for a high school student. Here are some ways to lower that number.
It can cost $500 to get an elementary school student ready for class, and twice that for a high school student. Here are some ways to lower that number.
Back-to-school shopping for your dog
Back-to-school shopping for your dog
While parents spend about $600 a year per child in back-to-school purchases, pet parents will find it far less expensive to outfit their pooch for training classes or doggie day care. But as with any kind of shopping, it pays to research and compare before making your purchasing decisions.
College Living: Essential Tips for First-Year Students
College Living: Essential Tips for First-Year Students
Not sure exactly what to buy for that first year at school away from home? Check out our list of essentials... what you need for you dorm room AND what will make everything more fun.
Not sure exactly what to buy for that first year at school away from home? Check out our list of essentials... what you need for you dorm room AND what will make everything more fun.
Back-to-School Gadgets and Supplies
Back to School Gadgets and Supplies
According to the National Retail Federation, parents spent an average of $443.77 last year on back-to-school supplies. Here's how to make the most of that money.
According to the National Retail Federation, parents spent an average of $443.77 last year on back-to-school supplies. Here's how to make the most of that money.

101 Guide to Applying to CollegeMore>>
Prepare for College
Prepare for College
Increase your chances of getting into a good school by planning ahead. Utilize our guide to help you put your best application forward.
Your High School Performance
Importance of high school grades, class selection and extracurriculars
Make your high school grades and extracurriculars shine while in high school because they really count in the college application process.
Choosing the College Best for You
Choosing the College Best for You
College is a four-year commitment. Use these tips to make sure you apply to a school that is right for you.
The Application Process
The Application Process
Lost in the application process? Use these tips to make sure you have your bases covered.
How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?
How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?
From "reach schools" to "safety schools", make sure that you are aiming high while keeping yourself covered.
What Will It Take to Save For College?
What Will It Take to Save For College?
Figure out how to pay for college.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.

Children's HealthMore>>
U.S. teen birth rate plummets
U.S. teen birth rate plummets
Teen birth rates in the United States are dropping sharply, especially among Hispanic teens, according to a new government report.
Teen birth rates in the United States are dropping sharply, especially among Hispanic teens, according to a new government report.
Too few kids use fast-food calorie info
Too few kids use fast-food calorie info
Kids who eat fast food at least twice a week are 50 percent less likely to use calorie and nutritional information than kids who eat fast food less often.
Kids who eat fast food at least twice a week are 50 percent less likely to use calorie and nutritional information than kids who eat fast food less often.
More kids getting donor organs, but gaps persist
More kids getting donor organs, but gaps persist
Over the last decade, the number of American children who die each year awaiting an organ donation dropped by more than half, new research reveals. And increasing numbers of children are receiving donor organs.
Over the last decade, the number of American children who die each year awaiting an organ donation dropped by more than half, new research reveals. And increasing numbers of children are receiving donor organs.
Weather worries can threaten a child's mental health
Weather worries can threaten a child's mental health
The monstrous tornado that devastated Moore, Okla., on Monday, killing dozens of adults and children, is a stunning example of violent weather that can affect a child's mental well-being.
The monstrous tornado that devastated Moore, Okla., on Monday, killing dozens of adults and children, is a stunning example of violent weather that can affect a child's mental well-being.
Student suicide may spur similar thoughts in teens
Student suicide may spur similar thoughts in teens
When a classmate commits suicide, teens are more likely to consider or attempt suicide themselves, according to a new study.
When a classmate commits suicide, teens are more likely to consider or attempt suicide themselves, according to a new study.
Sleepless nights may hurt school performance of kids with asthma
Sleepless nights may hurt school performance of kids with asthma
Urban elementary school children with poorly controlled asthma are likely to experience sleep problems and suffer academically, new research indicates.
Urban elementary school children with poorly controlled asthma are likely to experience sleep problems and suffer academically, new research indicates.
Living near major roadways in pregnancy tied to respiratory woes in children
Living near major roadways in pregnancy tied to respiratory woes in children
A child whose mother lived near heavy traffic while pregnant faces a relatively higher risk for developing a respiratory infection before the age of 3, a new study suggests.
A child whose mother lived near heavy traffic while pregnant faces a relatively higher risk for developing a respiratory infection before the age of 3, a new study suggests.
ADHD in childhood may raise risk for obesity in adulthood
ADHD in childhood may raise risk for obesity in adulthood
Boys who are diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are twice as likely to become obese adults as those who didn't have the disorder when they were young, a new 30-year study shows.
Boys who are diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are twice as likely to become obese adults as those who didn't have the disorder when they were young, a new 30-year study shows.
Latest edition of psychiatry's 'bible' launched amid controversy
Latest edition of psychiatry's 'bible' launched amid controversy
As the American Psychiatric Association unveils the latest edition of what is considered the "bible" of modern psychiatry this weekend, the uproar over its many changes continues.
As the American Psychiatric Association unveils the latest edition of what is considered the "bible" of modern psychiatry this weekend, the uproar over its many changes continues.
Swallowing magnets can be fatal for children
Swallowing magnets can be fatal for children
Children who swallow high-powered magnets often need surgery and other invasive procedures to remove the objects, according to a new study.
Children who swallow high-powered magnets often need surgery and other invasive procedures to remove the objects, according to a new study.

Back to School: Supplies, shopping, preparing, reading get ready - KOMO 4 |

Get Involved in Your Child's EducationMore>>

Healthy KidsMore>>

Know What's SafeMore>>

Sponsored VideoMore>>

Reading Lists and TipsMore>>

Back to School ShoppingMore>>

101 Guide to Applying to CollegeMore>>

Children's HealthMore>>