Help a Child Overcome First Day of School Anxiety

The first day of school is a big moment in a child's – and her parents' – life. While some children are naturally adventurous and won't blink an eye at the thought of beginning kindergarten, most will have at least some reservations, and perhaps even anxieties, about the big day. Their worries can range from not being able to find the bathroom to going hungry to being scolded by the teacher or disliked by their classmates. Luckily, there are a few things parents to help assuage first-day jitters.

What Parents can Do Before the First Day of School

Before the big day arrives, parents can take measures to nip first-day anxiety in the bud. Answering a child's questions such as "What do I do if I have to go the bathroom?" or "Where do I eat lunch?" or any others that arise will help. Parents should be empathetic to their child's concerns and encourage her to ask any questions at all.

If possible, it is also a good idea to visit the school before the first day and meet the teacher. The child can see his classroom and learn where the bathrooms are. Parents can ask the teacher about the schoolday routine and about any other concerns their child has. Becoming familiar with the new environment and knowing a little about what to expect can go a long way in calming a child's fears.

Parents can also try a "trial first-day run" with their child by dropping them off at school and picking them up so that the child knows the drop-off/pick-up routine.

The night before school starts, parents should be sure to pack healthy snacks and a substantial lunch for their child. They should also pack or help their child pack a schoolbag, which may include a change of clothes and a security object such as a photo of the family or a favourite toy. (However, do not pack anything that is valuable or cannot be easily replaced).

On the First Day of School: How Parents can Manage Separation Anxiety

When the first day of school arrives, parents' biggest concern will be how to manage their child's possible separation anxiety. Tearful goodbyes are common on the first day of school, but if handled well, should abate within a few days.

According to Karen A. Blich on Parents.com, parents can take the following steps to soften separation anxiety:

• Parents should enter the classroom with the child and re-introduce him to his teacher.
• Parents should refer to the other children by name and encourage their own children to get involved with activities in progress (for example: "Look, Isaac! David is playing blocks over in the corner. Why don't you join him?")
• Never sneak out of the classroom without saying goodbye. This could damage a child's trust in the parent.
• After saying goodbye, leave promptly and without emotion. If a child senses that a parent is sad or uncomfortable with leaving, it could heighten their anxiety.

First day of school jitters can be overcome with love, empathy and patience. Children are usually much calmer and often even excited about school after the first day. However, according to WebMd.com, if a child still expresses the need for his parent to enter the classroom with him over the next few days, parents should do so.

Parents should also encourage their children to continue asking questions and to talk about school. They should ask their children about their days, what they enjoyed, what they didn't enjoy, and if they have any concerns.