1. New Classmates Your attitude is everything. Share from your personal experience of making new friends. “A new room of classmates is like going into a mansion with several doors. Open each door and see what’s inside.? You may find a treasure of friend!”

2. New Teachers Try to schedule a brief introduction time with the teacher a few days before school starts. Often just seeing the teacher and the room will ease concerns. Speak positively about the new class and the exciting year ahead. Your enthusiasm will give them positive outlook.

3. Being Prepared Some children worry about having all of the supplies they need to get through the day. Enlist your child in the planning for the first day of school this gives a sense of control and independence. Organize supplies, clothing, lunch money and snacks the night before school to ensure a smoother start to the day.

4. Getting Lost It is extremely comforting for younger students to visit their new school ahead of time in order to see their new classroom, or walk down the school’s hallways before the hustle and bustle of the first day. Many schools provide a day during registration or the week before. Call your school office to make arrangements.

5. The Bathroom You can help by making sure your child knows where the bathrooms are located, how to take care of his/her bathroom needs independently (leave the zippers, snap leotards and more complicated jumpsuits in the drawer). If your child expresses concern about meeting up with new, or older children, help develop and practice brief responses to any comments or inquiries she might encounter. Practicing social situations ahead of time is always a great way to develop confidence and problem-solving skills.

6.Making the Grade Children can “stress-out” about the workload or the increasing level of difficulty of a new grade.  Reminders of academic and or personality strengths are in order here. Let your child know you and the teacher are there to assist and encourage their efforts. Being assured of parental support during successes as well as failures can aid a child’s overall academic performance and develop trust. Stress the importance of excellent efforts instead of grades, and the value of learning as opposed to “performing”. If the fear of failure exists from past performance, provide appropriate support systems: tutoring, extra study time or special placements.

7. Lunchtime Children come up with cafeteria worries that you never thought of…. How will I pay for my lunch? – Where will I sit? What if I don’t finish…or don’t like the food. First tip- Send in a lunch from home as long as you need to. Be sure to pack food your child likes and in packages he/she can open—  Before the first day of school, ensure that your child’s little hands can tackel chip or cracker bags, juice containers, sandwich boxes etc. Cafeteria Aides may not be able to assist them. – When they are acclimated to their new dining arrangements they may show interest in buying lunch.

8.Fashion Although I hate to admit it….this matters to kids— especially in the older grades.  Before shopping, go through catalogs and magazines to get an idea of what your child wants to wear. Encourage independent style and self expression. Working as a team in this area can be frustrating, but if your child likes their wardrobe—everyone is happier.  And don’t forget to refer to your school dress-code regulations.

9. Scheduling Address concerns about dropping off, picking up and after school plans clearly and repeatedly. Older “latch- key” students should practice the routine before school begins. Middle school students who worry about changing classes, lockers etc. may only need a few reminders that everyone is in the same boat. Most schools have a couple of days for practice.

10. Getting To and From School Have you ridden on a school bus lately??? It can be overwhelming to say the least!?? The noise, “big-kids” and confusion combine to make riding the bus a very common fear for younger students. Especially very young students, who cannot even see out the window to ensure they are at the right stop. There are several solutions to this dilemma:

-First decide how important it is for your child to take the bus. Many students get a ride until second grade.

- Drive the route several times before school starts. – Obtain the bus number from your district office before school starts. Practice this number ahead of time.

- Invite the neighbors to have a picnic at the bus-stop.

- Listen to your child….if they are frightened, address the problem with the bus-driver and supervisor.

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