School starts soon and whether your student is trading a baby blanket for a preschool backpack, moving to a new school district or transitioning into a new building, there are steps you can take to help your student have an easier time.

At my house, my oldest will be starting his high school career, my second son will be embarking upon his first foray into middle school that also is in a new school district, then my youngest two will be starting at a new elementary school.

My second son has played sports with his future classmates this summer, but is nervous about finding classrooms for each subject and forgetting his locker combination.

Donna Donald, Iowa State University Extension family...