Back-to-School Survival Guide

What you need to know for a successful year, from how to save on supplies to how to throw the best bake sale.

Easy as 1-2-3

What I Wish Parents Knew
Teachers, school nurses, and even waiters deal with children all day, every day—and they have news for you. Here, wise tips from the pros.

10 Fun Twists on a Cupcake
Find easy, creative ways to make these cute treats even more adorable (and delicious).

How to Ease Your Kids’ Anxieties

Certain rites of passage―first day of school, first flushed goldfish―are stress-inducing. Here’s how to help your children deal with them.

Photo: Annie Schlechter

11 Teachers’ Tips on How to Handle Children

These classroom tricks will keep kids on track.

Photo: Jen Corace

Last-Minute Survival Guide for Parents

Need a kid’s costume, pronto? Desperate to find a replacement babysitter for your dinner reservation? Help is on the way.

Photo: Cheryl Zibisky

Back-to-School Child-Health Guide

Your children may be bringing home more than assignments: how to spot, prevent, and treat 13 illnesses your kids could contract at school.

Photo: Liz Banfield

Illustration of a mother, a teacher, and children

More ABC's of Back to School

Bake Sale Basics

6 Favorite Bake Sale Goodies

How to Handle Your Child’s Tantrums

Chalkboard, backpack, and a stool with books

You Told Us: Is Back-to-School Season Taxing Your Budget?

Sales Tax-Free Shopping Days

5 Ways to Save on School Supplies

What Was the Most Important Thing You Learned In School?

Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, milk carton, and an apple next to a brown paper lunch bag

Parents’ Guide to Food Allergies

Good to Know

Mother and daughter playing together in child's bedroom

How to Find the Right Babysitter
It’s not easy finding someone to care for your children. Follow these tips to choose someone both you and your kids will love.

New Uses for Old Things: Kids Edition
These double-duty ideas are made for more than just the children.

Bake Sale Checklist

Everything you need to plan the next bake sale for your child’s school or organization.

If you don’t already have one in mind, select a charity to donate your earnings to.
Related: Bake Sale Basics
Solicit volunteers by posting sign-up sheets, sending e-mails, or making phone calls.
Contact local bakeries to ask for donations.

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