Summer's been great--swimming in the neighborhood pool, playing until dark, going to bed late at night, sleeping in every morning. Now, in a very short time, the routine has to change. What can you do now to make going back to school a pleasure, not a nightmare of nagging and yelling, delaying and dawdling?

Starting school usually means two things to kids: First, a change from a slow summer pace to a getting-out-the-door-by-8-A.M. routine; and second, adjusting to a new classroom or school, teacher, friends and academic challenges. All parents want the morning routine to go smoothly, and their child equipped to manage any change presented without resistance or emotional upheaval.

Here are tips for getting kids ready for the new school year.

Jan Faull, a child-development and behavior specialist, is in her 20th year as a parent-education instructor and public speaker. She is also the author of the recently published book "Mommy! I have to Go Potty!: A Parent's Guide to Toilet Training". Faull lives with her husband and three children in Renton, Washington.