Make Back to School a Breeze
Seven ways to take the jitters out of their first day

By Kelli M. Wheeler

1. Go Back to School shopping.
Even if you only pick up a few items, kids love the excitement of having new things to take to school.

2. Begin the routine before school starts.
There will be a lot of new expectations that can be overwhelming, so have reading time, bedtime, and morning routines already established.

3. Go to school before school starts.
Make sure to attend the new student/school orientation with your child or go on your own if you missed it. Walking the grounds to show kids where their classroom is and to locate the bathrooms, the cafeteria, etc. helps relieve anxieties about feeling lost.

4. Talk up the teacher.
Kids’ biggest fear is a mean teacher, so whether you know the instructor or not, make sure you sing their praises or imagine together all the fun things the teacher might teach. If you’re not thrilled about the teacher, don’t let your biases taint your child’s school year.

5. Role play.
Young kids especially do well with acting out ahead of time. Practice the first day of school routine and let your child play the role of the teacher. Then switch places. This allows the child to come up with questions they otherwise wouldn't have asked.

6. Lay out a new outfit the night before.
The kids will be excited to wear something new for a fresh start, and planning ahead avoids a morning rush.

7. Plan something special.
Arrange for a special dinner, and ice cream or fro-yo outing, or a little more Back to School shopping after that first day back. You’ll give the kids something to look forward to, have time set aside to hear about their day, and you can celebrate the new school year, all at once.

Kelli M. Wheeler is an award-winning columnist and freelance writer. She lives in Sacramento with her husband and two children (ages 8 and 9). Check out her Twitter Momservations™, stories, and more at Kellimwheeler.com.