Returning to School: As August 10 approaches, parents who are tired from their children’s hectic summer schedules may begin to long for the beginning of school. For their children it is often a very different story.

Some young students are dreading the beginning of school. Perhaps they are beginning a new school, or perhaps they are heading to school for the very first time. As a parent you need to know that there are effective steps you can take to relieve your child’s fears and make the transition to the new school year a success.

Tips for All Students

1. Explain to your child that you are planning to make changes to their daily schedule in preparation of the new school year.
2. Parents and children should begin practicing the new morning and evening routines two weeks before the start of school.
3. Discuss and practice your child’s transportation routine before the start of school. Children should be certain how they will travel to and from school, whether that is by bus, walking, daycare pick-up or neighbors.
4. Your child should understand what to do in the event of rain.Find a buddy in the neighborhood to walk to school or ride the bus with your child. If your child is older, offer to have him or her act as a buddy for a younger child.
5. Take time to actively listen to what your child says about his or her day at school. Reinforce that what they are doing at school is important and interesting.
6. Create anticipation and excitement about the beginning of school by involving your children in shopping for back-to-school supplies and clothes.
7. Schedule a time to visit the new school. You and your child should become acquainted with the campus and the staff.Act as a role model and share your favorite memories of school.
8. Remind your child that he or she is not the only one who is anxious about beginning school and that his or her teacher will make an extra effort to ensure everyone feels at ease
9. .Provide a nutritious breakfast of your child’s favorite foods.Establish a back to school tradition.Get involved in your child’s school by volunteering. Knowing mom or dad is nearby can be very comforting to a younger child.

Especially for Younger Students

1. Color a picture together of what happens at school. Draw the family walking your child to class, hugging goodbye, classroom activities, making friends, school projects, coming to pick them up and telling what they did when they come home.
2. Get your child used to being with others by enrolling your child in a summer activity with other children their age.
3. Make sure your child understands how to ask to use the restroom in a classroom setting—it is all right to ask but there are rules involved.
4. Check to ensure your child is comfortable unfastening and fastening his or her school clothes to use the restroom
5. .Bring a family picture to keep in your child’s backpack. It will act as a reminder of his or her support system at home; it can also act as a conversation starter with classmates.