I have to giggle, since it seems like just a few weeks ago that I was writing about the stress that happens for some parents when school ends for summer vacation! And now here we are at that other kind of “Eek!” moment — back-to-school.

I happen to think it’s just plain un-American to have school start up before Labor Day, but hey, I’m just old-school that way. I know many of you are not only already back to school, but also back to a smooth, well-oiled school-season routine.

If that doesn’t describe you (and it sure didn’t describe me in the early weeks of oh-too-soon fall), then you might enjoy these ideas for bringing more ease, confidence and enjoyment into the whole affair. They’re right here, at mothering.com.