10 - EASTERN OREGON PARENT - September 2018 Make your back-to-school transition stress-free Courtesy of Family Features It’s not always easy to make the transition from family road trips, backyard barbecues and longer days to school bus pickups, home- room assignments and school sup- ply lists. These tips can help get your busy household organized and make the transition easier to ensure your kids look and feel their best when they head back to the classroom. Make shopping for supplies fun. Take a special shopping trip with your kids to get all the supplies they need. Be sure to stock up on essentials, but try to make it fun by letting them pick out personal- ized folders for each of their classes or colorful pens to take notes. A shopping trip is also an opportunity to get your children excited about their classes. Remember to shop early so kids can pick from a variety of options and items will be less likely to be out of stock. Prepare a homework space. Creating a designated space in the house for doing homework can get your kids ready to start schoolwork again. A designat- ed space stocked with necessi- ties like pens, pencils and other supplies can also limit distrac- tions so they can focus on their schoolwork. Simplify your laundry cycle. Between school clothes, sports uni- forms, linens and play clothes, laun- dry can easily pile up. To simplify your laundry routine, try all-in-one detergent packets that tackle all aspects of clean like odors, stains, whitening and brightening. And if your children have sensitive skin, consider hypoallergenic pacs, which are tough on stains but still gentle enough for sensitive skin with a for- mula that is free of fragrances, dyes and irritating residues. To learn more, visit all-laundry.com Ease into the routine. Make the switch to busy school mornings seamless by easing into your morn- ing routine in the weeks leading up to the start of school. Set your alarms, go through morning rituals and make sure your children are comfortable with how they are getting to school whether they are taking the bus, walking or carpooling with friends. Practicing the routine can make everyone feel confident and prepared when the school bells start ringing. By implementing these simple tips, you can make the transition both seamless and stress-free, and set your kids up for a successful and fun school year.