First Day of School

MAKING THE FIRST DAY EASIER from American Academy of Pediatrics

Do you remember your first day of 1st grade, 2nd grade, 9th grade?? Probably not... I had a bit of anxiety and was scared what would happen. 
I had lots of questions..... 
Will I see any friends?
What bus? What if the bus doesn't stop for me?
Who would be in my class?  
What's my teacher  like?
Will I like my teacher?
What shall I wear?
What's for lunch?
Where will I sit?
With whom?
Will I get homework on my first day?
...... 
Your child, I bet, is experiencing similar thoughts, questions, and feelings. Don't minimize them or dismiss them. Talk  to them and ask them to tell you more about what they think, feel or want to know. They are still kids and need your compassion and your ears.

• Remind your child that there are probably a lot of students who are uneasy about the first day of school. This may be at any age. Teachers know that students are nervous and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
• Point out the positive aspects of starting school.  She'll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh her positive memories about previous years, when she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time.
• Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your student can walk to school or ride on the bus.
• If it is a new school for your child, attend any available orientations and take an opportunity to tour the school before the first day.
• If you feel it is needed, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick her up on the first day.

Remember, you lived through many first days of school! 

- See more at: http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Back-to-School-Tips.aspx#sthash.MC3Q2KqN.dpuf