The beginning of the school year is always a time of both excitement and anxiety for children and parents alike, and the start of the first year of regular schooling can be particularly vexing for families. Kindergarten “round-ups” and other activities held prior to the first day are helpful in introducing parents and children to facilities and teachers. From the first day on, what can parents do to help ensure a good adjustment to this first school experience?

Getting There

Even if you and your child have visited the school and classroom, the size of the building or its location in a different neighborhood can be intimidating for the first few weeks or more. Take some time to familiarize yourself and your child with the building, playground, immediate neighborhood, etc.
• If the school is nearby, walk to (or from) school with your child during the first few days, talking about what you see along the way.
• If your child will be taking a school bus, drive the route a few times (even on the weekend or evening after school is out), pointing out familiar and unfamiliar sites.
• Inside the school building: Some schools provide older students to show newcomers around. Otherwise check with the principal to be sure it is OK to walk around the building (before or after school) and point out important locations to your child—the office, the gym, media center, lockers, etc.
• Bring along a camera and take pictures of your child in different places inside and outside the school. Use these to make a “book” about going to school.

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