By Robin Shannon

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Much like most communities in Southeast Louisiana, the beginning of August signifies the end of summer vacation and the start of a new school year for children of all ages.

A fresh school year often means a new start with new opportunities, but it also means a return to the daily routine of the school schedule, which can be sometimes difficult to get back into – especially if you enjoy sleeping in on those lazy summer days.

Last week L’Observateur asked visitors to its website what they think is the most difficult aspect of the end of summer as children return to school.

About a third, or 33 percent, of those who responded said that waking up earlier is the hardest part of the daily school routine. Just a hair behind that option was the thought of getting back into the homework/study routine, which captured about 31 percent of the votes cast.

Readers were far less concerned about working out transportation, dealing with school zones and paying for supplies and uniforms. Those three options combined were only able to net about 33 percent of the total vote.

A full breakdown of results follows:

• 33 percent of the respondents chose “waking up earlier.”

• 31 percent of respondents chose “getting back into the homework/study routine.”

• 21 percent of respondents chose “paying for supplies and uniforms.”

• 6 percent of respondents chose “working out transport.”

• 6 percent of respondents chose “dealing with speed/school zones.”

• 2 percent of respondents chose “other or none of the above.”