[Image: bus]
Do you remember those nightmares about missing the bus or that big exam? School children today still experience anxiety about the beginning of school.
The newness of school supplies and the anticipation of seeing friends help put a freshness on the start of a school year, but children often need help in making the transition from the leisurely, generally unplanned pace of summer to the more structured demands of school.
Parents should be enthusiastic about the upcoming change. If you are excited and confident, your child will be, too. Make sure your child has all the supplies he or she needs to begin school. Check with your child’s school to see if specific materials are required.
A week before school begins, start daily routines that go with returning to school. For example, have your child go to bed at the school night bedtime and get up at the time to prepare for school.
Try a school bus run to help your child become acquainted with the bus route, figuring how long the ride is and identifying things he or she will see while going to and from school. When you get to the school, arrange for a tour to help your child find his or her classroom, the cafeteria and the bathroom. If possible, arrange a visit with your child’s teachers. Also, talk about which bus your child will take. Go over the fact that he or she will be riding bus number 10 with Mr. Smith driving.
Talk about your child’s expectations for the first day of school. Show excitement over the prospect of making new friends and greeting old friends, yet acknowledge any fears your child may have of having to make new friends and become accustomed to any new routines. Arrange a play date with another child who will be going to the same school. It will help to have a familiar face on the first day.
The day before school starts, have your child select the clothes he or she will wear for the first week of school. Having that predictability is comforting to a child experiencing transition. After the first week, set a rule that he or she must prepare his or her clothes each night for the next day of school.
Gather together all the materials your child will need for school the night before. This will alleviate any rushing and confusion on the school morning. Send a photo of the family and/or pet. The reminder of a familiar item can help to ease separation anxiety.
Prepare yourself. If your child sees that you are upset over his or her leaving, he or she will become upset also. Remind yourself that your child will be learning new ideas that he or she can share with you at the end of the school day.
Always say "goodbye" as your child separates from you to go to school. This becomes a firm yet friendly separation.
Don’t ridicule your child if he or she cries at separation. Instead, acknowledge that it is hard to go to different places without each other. Similarly, celebrate each day’s success when your child return home from school.