5 tips for making the first day of school less stressful

Whether your child is starting school, or it is the first day of a new year, it can be stressful. Learn how you can help.

Photo Credit: Erin Castillo

Many children are apprehensive about the first day of school. This is true whether they are just starting out and sometimes even when they have been in school for a while but feel nervous about going back the first day.

There are some things you can do to help make the experience less stressful:

Begin the Separation Process Early

If your child has never spent much time away from you, begin planning play dates or other activities that your child can attend without you, well in advance of the first day of school. For many children separation anxiety is the biggest obstacle, even if they might otherwise be excited about going to school. Help you child ease into independent activities so he or she will have more confidence when going off to school.

Prepare your Child

Go over the class schedule with your child and describe what the school day will be like. Make sure your child knows that school personnel will contact you if there is an emergency. Make sure she knows which bus to take home. Give your child as many details as possible, because the unknown is what creates fear and apprehension. If she has an older sibling that is already in school, ask her sibling to tell her about school and reassure her as well.

Go to Open House

If the school your child will be attending offers an open house a few days before school begins, it is a good idea to attend. This will give your child a chance to become more familiar with the surroundings, meet his or her teacher, and meet some of the other children in the class. You can show him where the restroom is, where the lunchroom is, and where his belongings will be kept. This will give him a chance to begin adjusting to the new environment while he has you there with him, instead of confronting everything on his own the first day.

Happy Parents, Happy Kids

The best ways for you to help are to reassure your child and keep your emotions in check. Your child will be fine. Deep down you know that, and you want your child to know that, but you may still find yourself holding back tears. It is okay to cry, just wait until after your child goes to school. If your child senses that you are upset, he or she is going to become more upset. Be very upbeat and try to help your child get excited about school.

Accompany your Child to School the First Day

If you send your child off to school on the bus, he or she is more likely to be nervous. Let your child know that you will take him the first day, help him find his classroom and get settled, and then you will leave. Help him look for other children he already knows or may have met at open house. Then give him a kiss and a hug and go home. Do not linger; do not keep going back to the classroom to check on him. Leave. Do not continue driving your child to school after the first day (unless of course that is the plan for the entire year).

Contact Us | Terms & Conditions | Back Issues | HappyNews.com