The WM Parenting Connection

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It's normal to feel a bit jittery when the first day of school arrives - not only for kids, but for parents too.

So how can you calm those first-day jitters and help everyone sail through the transition from summer to school? Here are some suggestions:

A month before school starts - start transitioning your child from the casual schedule of summer to the schedule they'll be following when school starts.  This will adjust their internal clocks (and yours!) and keep the kids from being exhausted when school starts.

Two weeks before school starts - try to have all the school shopping done by now, so that you can relax in those last days before the start of school rather than running around trying to get everything the kids need.

I like to grab the suggested school supply lists, get what the kids need, then pack everything into their backpacks. I put the backpacks up where they can't get into them (and take everything back out again, lose it, use it up, break it, you get the idea). That way, their bags are packed and ready for the first day of school and I'm not running around the first week of school scrambling to buy or replace needed items. 

One week before school starts - if your child will be going to a new school, go there and take a tour around. This is especially helpful for little ones starting kindergarten. Walk with your child around the school (age-permitting - teens would probably rather sink into the walls than walk around school with a parent) - take a look at her classroom, greet the teacher if she is available and anyone else your child may come in contact with during the school year such as office personnel and the school nurse. When school starts, your child will already feel comfortable with her surroundings and ready to face the challenges of school.

The night before school starts - Make an easy, low-key meal and spend some time with your child. Talk about school, what their schedule will be like, what they'll do at school and who they'll meet there. Ask your child what she is excited about, and if she has any questions about how school works.

Be aware though that children will feed off their parents' anxieties, so if you have any worries, talk about them in private with your partner and don't feed them to your children.

Set an early bedtime, with baths and favorite stories, then relax. Your family is ready to start school.

What are your favorite tips to calm the first-day of school jitters? Please share them below!

Calming First Day of School Jitters