A stress-free back to school

Whether it’s your child’s first day ever, or she’s been in school for a few years now, the first day of every school year is always filled with anticipation, and sometimes scared of what the new school will be like.

From the AAP, here are some tips on making the  first day easier on our children:

• Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
• Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. She’ll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh her memory about previous years, when she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time.
• Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus.
• If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick her up on the first day.

Also print out this article that is addressed to children. It’s a short primer on going back to school by Dr. Mary Gavin of Kids Health.