The first day at school can be a trying experience for both parents and children. Whether your child is 3 months old or 3 years old, it is important to initiate a routine before placing your child into a new environment.

At Primrose schools, we recommend beginning this routine at least a month before school begins. Before saying goodbye to your child at school for the first time, leave them with a grandparent or babysitter for increasingly longer periods of time. Also, about two weeks before classes start, try to make every morning begin at the same time and in the same way. You’ll be surprised by how quickly children adapt to their new schedule.

Another way to help ease separation anxiety associated with pre-school jitters involves preparatory book choices. You Go Away by Dorothy Corey, for ages 6 months to 3 years, gives parents a reassuring way to talk to toddlers about separation. Other favorites at the Primrose School at Vista Ridge include: When Mommy and Daddy Go to Work by Joanna Cole, First Day by Joan Rankin, The Babysitter Sings by Phillis Gershator and Don’t Go by Jane Breskin Zalben.

Here are other tips to help your child get ready for school:
-Tour the school. To see the classroom, meet the teacher and play on the playground. Later, you can talk about what you both saw and refer to his teacher by name.
-Set the Stage. On the car ride to school, talk to your child about school and help her visualize what the day’s activities are likely to be.
-Shopping for school supplies. Make shopping for school supplies special and fun for your child.
-Encourage your child to bring a favorite book, instead of a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. They can easily share their book with the class, which will help them become more involved with the other classmates.
-Quickly say goodbye and promise to come back. Give a quick kiss and hug, cheerfully say goodbye and promise to return later.
-Show ease with the teacher or caregiver. Children look for cues from mom and dad as to who is a safe and fun person to be with.

It also is a good idea for schools or caregivers to welcome the child into a fun, relaxed environment. Primrose sets up interest centers for early morning drop-offs to ease the home-to-school transition. This immediately allows the child to become involved in an activity that looks inviting and fun and is another important way to help establish a routine.

Perhaps the most significant thing to remember is to maintain on-going communication with your child’s teacher. At the end of the day, it’s our partnership with parents that leads to a child’s educational success.

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