Image by ML Baxley

eStem CEO John Bacon and family.

Where has the summer gone? It always seems to fly, doesn't it? In the Pyron household, the first few weeks of August bring a valiant effort to balance the waning days of summer with everything that has to be done to get ready for school. This year, that to-do list is much longer as both children are headed to new schools this fall.

In order to help you wrap your minds around back-to-school season, we've packed this issue with tips and resources. We tackle the tough topic of school scheduling for divorced parents and offer help for solving the perpetual what's-for-dinner quandary. Our Cool Finds section is stocked with local products you won't be able to live without this fall (trust me on the Knot Genie … it's literally changed our lives!).

Our cover story features tips for school success from eStem CEO John Bacon.

Part II of our After-School Activity Guide has an extensive list of tutoring, therapy, arts and enrichment offerings in central Arkansas. We also take a close look at two popular sports activities: youth football and equestrian programs.

As you navigate your way through the school year, don't forget to visit LittleRockFamily.com for help. The Little Rock Family Blog is a great place to read about local activities, programs, travel ideas and resources to help your family grow and thrive. The new Daddy Diaries series follows new dad Levi Wolters as he experiences the first year of his daughter's life. My new series – Mom's Money Matters – launches this month and will chronicle my family's journey to trim our spending and teach our children the value of a dollar.

Plus, our free Weekly Play Date e-news arrives in your inbox every Thursday with great ideas for family fun. You can sign up for it by clicking here. And our Facebook page is full of great contests, videos, links and ideas for your family. Just give us a "like" to be in the loop.