The new school year will soon begin.  Across the country, young children will experience their first day of school.  Returning students may be sad that their summer has come to an end.  To make the back-to-school transition easy, here are a few tips:

Prepare Yourself

Before you begin talking to your child about the new school year, get yourself geared up mentally. For some parents, it is just as hard for them to leave their children as it is for the children to see their parents walk out of the door.  Children are intuitive and can read your anxiety, so first of all, put a sincere smile on your face.  Then talk about the new school year with heartfelt excitement.

Make School Shopping Fun

It can be very exciting to have a list, go through the store and choose supplies.  For some children, the lunchbox or backpack is a big decision.  Be sure to shop where the selection is wide.  Allow your child to choose some of their favorite foods and drinks for lunch.  After purchasing new school clothes, let your child model them for others.  Take photos and put them on the refrigerator.   Allow your child to create a card for the photo and mail it together to grandparents.

Attend Orientation Day

Your child will have the opportunity to visit the classroom, teacher and other students.  In an abbreviated session, your child will locate his or her class, desk and cubby, the restroom and the playground.  This brief familiarization time will ease the first-day jitters.

Establish a School Routine

The week before school starts, begin going to bed early and getting up early in preparation.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Begin eating breakfast together.  At this time, you can talk about what the upcoming day will bring.  Similarly, have dinner together and listen to what your child has to say about the day. 

Don’t panic if your child cries or needs to be pried from your leg and pushed into the classroom.  Remain positive and let your child know he or she will have a great day.  Most of all, don’t be a helicopter parent and stand just outside the door.  Make a quick exit with a hug and say, “I know you will have a great day.  I can’t wait to hear about all the fun things you did today!  See you in a little while.”  Then leave.  Generally, the teacher will redirect children to a fun activity.

Surprise Your Child

Inside the first school lunch, make a smiley face on a sandwich or draw a heart on a napkin to serve as a small reminder of your love.  When your child comes home, ask about his or her favorite part of the day.  Offer a special snack such as an ice cream sandwich or strawberries with whipped cream.            

School will be an important part of your child’s life for many years, so take the time to create genuine excitement about the first day and about continued learning.  A positive attitude toward school and learning is a wonderful gift to give your child.