The transition from summer to the start of the school year can be stressful for children. Below are 5 tips that can help ease their back-to-school anxiety:

1. A week or two before school, start preparing children for their school routine by setting a realistic bedtime and selecting their clothes for the next day.
2. Arrange play dates with familiar peers before school starts. The presence of a familiar peer during school transitions can improve children’s academic and emotional adjustment.
3. Visit their school & classroom before school starts. Familiarize them with pick up & drop off locations, and have the child practice walk to their various classrooms.
4. Come up with a reward system that the child could earn for separating from mom or dad to attend school.
5. Validate the child’s worry by acknowledging that, like any new activity, starting school can be hard, but soon becomes easy and fun.