First Day of School!

For some of you the first day of school has already come and gone. And for some of you it is just around the corner. And if you are like me you have one child bursting at the seams to get back to school (and marched right up to her new teacher to shake hands!) and another that is a bit more apprehensive. So, after all the school supplies are bought, open houses are attended, orientation meetings are out of the way, what do you do to help your child get ready for their first day of school?

No matter what age your child or children are many kids feel some sort of anxiety when going back to school. Not knowing who will be in their class and will they fit in with this new group of students are of course more the concerns of older children but concerns none the less. For those new kindergartners however this is a whole new experience for them! Here are some helpful tips that can help make this transition easier and more fun.............

1. Pack an extra set of season appropriate clothing for your child to put in their locker just in case. Many kids are concerned about getting to the bathroom and where it is. By keeping an extra set of clothing in your child's locker and making sure that they are aware "accidents" are commonplace you can help them understand there is nothing to be worried about.

2. Explain lunch and snack time to them. And be sure to tell them how fun it is to buy lunch from the cafeteria. Or if they are brown bagging it be sure to let them help plan their lunch and pack it too. Be sure to go through the school lunch menu together and review the items before the week so your child knows what they are having each day.

3. Empathize with your child regarding fears of kids not liking them. It helpful to remember that all kids are going through the same thing your child is. Helping them understand that all of their fellow students are new to this situation can be helpful. While most kids have worries about this they are quickly forgotten when they realize how nice and friendly the kids are.

4. Visit the school beforehand. I mentioned open houses earlier and I know that most schools do offer them and I recommend taking full advantage of them. Going to the school and getting the lay of the land can really help your child feel more confident on that first day of school. Knowing how to get to their classroom in the morning, where the bathrooms are, the library, the nurses office and even the Principal's office can help your child.

In all take the time for some additional planning, sitting down and discussing any questions or concerns your child has will go a long way in getting them more comfortable with what lies ahead. And always remember that their teacher and everyone that works at the school are professionals they have been through this before - ask questions and know that your child is in good hands.

By the end of the year your child will be a pro!