Preparing for the First Day of School

The first day of school can be an exciting and scary time for you and your child. There are a couple of things that you can do to make this new adventure a wonderful experience for both of you.

If your child has never been away from you, expect some separation anxiety. Although more common in preschoolers, young elementary school students also can have a hard time saying goodbye to their parents. Try to prepare your child in a way that is best for him individually. Some children will benefit from reading books about the first day of school or being away from parents before the big day, but this may cause greater worry in others. It may be helpful to take your child to the school's Open House for a preview. This will give her a chance to see the classroom, meet her teachers and new friends, and get a feel for the school--all with you nearby. Of course, this can also be a challenge for some children who won't understand why you don't stay with them on the first day. The key is to recognize your child's personality and work with it.

Make sure your child has enough sleep the night before and eats a healthy breakfast the morning of the first day. A cranky and hungry child is a recipe for disaster in any situation. Let your child help choose what he will wear to school, and if he takes a snack or lunch, include some of his favorite items. Plan ahead so you have enough time to get your child ready and get to school. The last thing you want is the additional stress of rushing not to be late. If there is a lot of complaining, whining or crying about having to go to school, try not to get impatient or frustrated. Just keep smiling and talking about school as a wonderful and fun place. Yelling at your child will just associate school with something negative--and it won't necessarily get you out the door any quicker.

Depending on your school's policies, you may drop your child at the door in a carpool line, walk her to the door of the school, or take her into the classroom. If she is upset, try to make your departure as easy and quick as possible. Don't promise to stay just outside the door. Don't tell him you'll come get him early. And most of all, don't get upset yourself. Seeing you cry or upset tells your child that something is wrong or that she should be upset--just smile, give her a hug and a kiss, tell her to have fun and that you’ll see her when the school day is done.