Getting your child ready for his or her first day of kindergarten is a lot of things – exciting, scary, sad, and maybe even relieving.  It is important to make sure that your youngster’s first school experience is a positive one.  Here are a few tips to help make their transition to full time school smooth and enjoyable (not only for them – for you as well).

1. Make back to school shopping a fun and exciting event.  Let your kids pick out their own pencils and backpack – it will make them feel like they have something invested in their school life.
2. Talk to your child about what school will be like as much as you can during the last few weeks of summer.  If they have a general idea of what to expect, they will be a lot less nervous.  Make sure to highlight the more enjoyable aspects of school, such as recess and snack time.  Always be sure to present school in a completely positive manner.
3. If possible, visit the school before the semester starts and let your kid look around.  Walk them around their soon to be classroom, the playground and the lunchroom.  If your kid has a mental picture of where they are going before they actually have to go there, they will feel way more confident about going.
4. When the day finally arrives, make sure to get your child up early enough so you have plenty of time to get them dressed and fed a good breakfast.  This morning routine is something that your child will have to get accustomed to doing every day, so it’s very important to get them started on the right foot.

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