It is that time of year again, back to school time.  If your kids haven’t already started back they likely will be over the next couple of weeks.  Here in my neck of the woods most kids start back this week or next.  It is fun to watch all the new little kindergartners heading off to school with mom and dad carrying their cool new backpacks so proudly.

Whether your child is going to school for the very first time or returning after the summer break that first day (and often first week or so) can cause a lot of feelings and emotions in your kid.  They’ll be feeling excited, scared, happy, nervous or most likely all of the above.  So many new and unknown things surround the first day of school so it is completely understandable that it can make your child a little wary.

Here are a few tips on how you can make your child’s first day a little less scary and how you can help them with this big life transition.

• As the first day of school approaches talk to them about how they are feeling.  Don’t down play their negative emotions, talk them out with your child.
• If you are scared or upset about their first day of school try not to let that show.  Play up the excitement and happiness of the moment.
• Purchase some books about going to school, or pick some up from the library and read them with your kids.  Children learn a lot by reading storybooks.
• Get your child involved in the purchasing of school supplies.  Let them pick out their backpack, pencil case, etc.
• If your school offers it take a tour of your child’s classroom before the first day of school so they will be familiar with the layout.
• If your child will ride the bus to school be sure you talk about and practice how that will work.

The most important thing you can do for your child is to listen to them.  If they are nervous or scared they will feel better once they have talked it out and know that you understand how they feel.  After the first few days your child will likely get over being scared and will just be excited about school.

Don’t forget to take those priceless first day of school photos!!!

How do you handle the first day of school?  Is your child usually excited or scared?