This piece, which we published last year, is still completely relevant today: moms in particular who take PTO during the first untenable week of school. It’s chaos, it’s emotions, it’s a lot. So Lauren Davidson decided to take time off work to help her family cope. She writes, “Back-to-school is a big transition for kids, and I like knowing that I’m there for them in a big way the week of. We have a little more time to talk through what the new year might be like and cook their favorite dinner the night before. We can transition our bedtimes a little earlier and squeeze in one final afternoon at the pool or ice cream outing to say a proper goodbye to summer.

It’s not necessarily the most fun week to take vacation days — I’d rather spend those days on an actual family vacation or save them for the inevitable unexpected times I need to keep sick kids home from school — but it feels like one of the most important.”

Maybe you should think about it, too, as the back to school season gets into full swing?

What do the experts say about integrating digital tools into your child’s life? Start small now and add features as your kid gets older. Luckily, there are a couple tools that allow you to do just that… starting with the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3.

With real-time GPS tracking, no internet or social media connection, and parent-approved contacts to keep communication safe, this kid-friendly smart watch helps you stay connected with your kid while teaching them independence. Just ask Rachael Zehrung, PhD. "I feel strongly about using wearables to build a kids' agency," she says.

When your kid is finally ready for a smartphone, grow with Verizon Family Plus. This family-friendly app helps you set content filters, track screentime, and get driving insights for teens. One of Verizon’s parenting coaches Bea Moise uses it at home. "My kids get two hours of screen time. After that, it shuts off," she says.

I’m gonna be honest: Sometimes I have zero idea what the words that are coming out of my children's mouths mean. “Skibiddi” is the least of my concerns at this point. So we asked teachers – who are, let’s be honest, our first line of defense here – for the words they expect kids to be saying this school year. After all, the children will always be one step ahead of us when it comes to new slang, but we can try to keep up.