Get back-to-school ready

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It's that time of the year parents love best – back to school.

Across B.C., more than 600,000 students head back to class Tues. Sept. 6.

Students in kindergarten to Grade 9 will all be learning under a new curriculum this fall.

The B.C. government says students will learn “the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic in a way that connects them to the collaboration, communications, and critical thinking skills needed in college, university, and the work force."

The government also has a program to help parents kick-start education savings. Parents can apply here for the $1,200 BC Training and Education Saving Grant.

“The new school year is exciting for parents and students alike and everyone wants a stress-free start to the year. We are investing a record $5.1 billion for public education this year,” said Education Minister Mike Bernier.

Meanwhile, BC Children's Hospital has tips on how to deal with junior's back-to-school anxiety.

Adjusting to a new routine, new teacher, pressure to make new friends and bullying can all take a toll.

“Taking time to acknowledge your child’s worries about the new school year and problem solve solutions can help them shift their focus to the positive aspects of school," said Dr. Susan Baer, psychiatrist in the mood and anxiety disorders clinic at BC Children’s.

Parents have their share of stress, too.

According to marketing research company Field Agent, Canadian parents are only 53 per cent done their back-to-school shopping.

Field Agent polled more than 200 parents last weekend and found they are only about half done shopping. 

Based on its findings, Field Agent expects a busy couple of weeks at Canadian retailers.

Check out the full findings here.