The transition to a new school year can take some time and energy from mom and dad. Here are a few basic ideas that can help. 1. To lessen the potential strain for everyone set aside extra time to spend enjoying your child’s company a few days before school begins. 2. During that time help young people share their hopes and worries for the year ahead. 3. Once classes begin help your child share a few good and bad parts of their day. 4. If your child doesn’t talk easily avoid asking for the “low-down” right after school and find a “relaxed” time of day to gently open up lines of communication. 5. Begin forming a positive relationship with your child’s teacher and other school personnel so that ongoing discussions between school and home go well.