How to Prepare Your Child for the First Day of School

Many children experience apprehension about the first day of school. Whether it is their first day of kindergarten or fifth grade, some kids are just not ready to go back to school. These children may show signs as soon as going back to school is mentioned. They may be more withdrawn, quiet or even cry at the mention of school. It is very important to ease their fears and apprehensions so that they have a good first day experience. The first day sets the tone for the year! School is not optional, so it is a good idea to figure out how to deal with it! Preparation is the key - it will help ease their fears.

Here are some ways that you can prepare the apprehensive child for the first day of school.

Attend the Back to School/Meet the Teacher Event. This is of utmost importance! Your child's first time in the classroom should not be the first day of school. Meeting the teacher ahead of time and actually seeing their room and desk will get rid of the fear of the unknown that may be lurking. Most elementary schools have an event where you can visit before the first day, but if not, call and see if it is possible to meet the teacher before the first day.

Find out who is in your child's class. Chances are that there is someone that your child knows from the neighborhood or previous school years on the class list. Just knowing who they will be able to sit with at lunch and play with at recess will help tremendously. If your child is new to the school, contact the counselor and inform them that your child will need a buddy or friend to show them around at least the first week until they make friends.

Talk to your child's teacher via phone conference or email if you have specific concerns. The teacher will be aware of the situation and be on the lookout to welcome them and make them feel comfortable. Your child doesn't necessarily need to know about this. The elementary school counselor may also be a good person to talk with before the big day.

Take your child on a special school shopping and lunch date. If you are able, spend some alone time with your child and focus on shopping for their school supplies. Go out to lunch and in that casual environment they may open up further about their fears. This will start the year with a wonderful memory and create an open door between you and your child.

Start a bed time and wake up routine a few weeks before school begins. Work really hard to get them in bed at the same time they will go to bed on school nights. This will help them wake up on time and ensure that they don't begin the year tired! Getting enough sleep will really help - everything seems more difficult and challenging when you are tired. You can at least eliminate the tired factor.

Say goodbye quickly and with a smile! Whether you wave as they get on the bus or outside of their classroom door, don't linger giving them time to think about what is happening. They will be fine. Don't let them see any concern on your face. Let them know you are rooting for them and cannot wait to hear about their first day of school.