From the school supply shopping to the transportation planning, going back to school can be stressful on both you and your little one. Luckily, these helpful tips will take the stress out of the beginning of a new school year.

1. Instill a positive attitude. First and foremost, it’s important to help your child to think positively about the beginning of school. Ask a lot of questions about how he or she feels, and be sure to speak encouragingly whenever discussing school. Even the most confident child likely has a few butterflies about starting a new grade level, so be positive enough for the both of you.
2. Create a back-to-school routine. After staying up late and sleeping in all summer, it can be difficult for children to get back into the swing of things once fall rolls around. A week or so before the first day, start instating a reasonable bedtime and serving a wholesome breakfast a bit earlier than usual to create good habits once school starts.
3. Get organized. Purchase only the essentials when school shopping and pack them into a backpack a few days ahead of time. Obtain a bus assignment or other transportation information, and spend some time going over your child’s new schedule. Finally, be sure to set out a reliable camera to snap that priceless first day of school photo.

Ease Back-to-School Stress [School Family]
What Not to Take Back-to-School? Stress. It’s Toxic! [Healthy Child]
Ease back to school stress with these six tips [Good to Know]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/latteda

Just beyond a solitary wooden door in the lobby of an unassuming office building lies the elegant dining room of Russia House Restaurant. Here you can enjoy one of Herndon's most distinctive dining experiences.

A slight French influence, historically typical of Russian cuisine, is detectable in offerings such as the large portion of chateaubriand, thick-cut fillet, laden with a rich béarnaise sauce. The menu also offers a variety of caviar, served with toast or thin crepe-like bliny, and heavier entrees like creamy beef stroganoff and beef-stuffed cabbage leaves served with tomato sauce. The service is sharp but operates at a more relaxed pace, allowing guests time to enjoy the meal at leisure.

Russia House also offers an extensive vodka list – long enough to warrant its own menu – including many fine top-shelf brands and their own house-infused flavored varieties. The lengthy list of cocktails includes house martinis sweet enough to be dessert and some hot coffee-based cocktails certain to warm your spirits.

Russia House Restaurant
790 Station Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 787-8880
http://www.russiahouserestaurant.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/russia-house-restaurant-herndon

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Joy

Having a fear of flying is very common, but this phobia can be quite a hindrance when it comes to traveling for work or taking a cross-country trip. If you’re afraid of airplanes and can’t seem to calm your nerves, these tips will help you to overcome your fear.

1. Become familiar with the plane. Many people are afraid of plane crashes, but these are incredibly uncommon. Learning how an airplane works will help you to feel more secure once you’re on board, and finding out facts like how a plane can continue to fly even after an engine failure will make you feel much more trusting about traveling on one. Research facts about your specific type of airplane, and even ask to meet the pilot before boarding.
2. Allow yourself plenty of time. Airports are known for being hectic and stressful, and this will only intensify your fear. Be sure to arrive at the airport a few hours early so that you have time to get to your terminal and relax before it’s time to board.
3. Choose an aisle seat. If you’re afraid of flying you probably don’t want to look down at the ground from the plane’s window. Choosing an aisle seat will eliminate this stressor, and you can even wear an eye mask to close off your view entirely.
4. Avoid caffeine. Stimulants like caffeine will only make your anxiety worse. Avoid drinking your morning latte the day of a flight, and be sure to stay hydrated to keep yourself from feeling fatigued.

Fear of Flying [Independent Traveler]
How to Overcome Your Worst Fears [Lifehacker]
10 Tips for the Fearful Flyer [NBC News]
How Can I Overcome My Fear of Flying? [ADAA]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/skyseeker