Checklist for the first day of school

·          Are your children registered? When is the first day of school? What time does school start?

·          How are your children going to get to school? If your children are biking, do they know the school rules for bicycles? Have you reviewed safety precautions regarding traffic and strangers?

·          What time is lunch? How much will does a school lunch cost? Will they need snacks?

·          What clothes will your children need to wear? Are there any restrictions on what can be worn? Will they need different clothes for physical education or art classes?

·          Have you filled out all the health forms or emergency contact forms that have been sent home?

·          Have any new health problems developed in your children over the summer that will affect their school day? Does the school nurse know about any health-related conditions, or is an appointment set up to discuss them?

·          If your children will need to take medication at school on the first day, have arrangements been made for this?

·          Do your youngsters know where they are going after school (e.g., home, babysitter)? Do they know how they will get there?

·          If you will not be there when they arrive, do they know who will be responsible for them, what the rules are, and how to get help in an emergency?

Starting at a new school

·          In addition to the tips listed above, your children may need some extra support if they are starting a new school. Talk with your children about their feelings, both their excitement and their concerns about the new school.

·          Visit the school with your children in advance of the first day. Teachers and staff are usually at school a few days before the students start. Peek into your children's classrooms, and if possible, meet the teachers and principal.

·          Try to have your children meet classmates before the first day so they can get acquainted and play together, and so your children will have friendly faces to look for when school begins.

·          Don't build up unrealistic expectations about how wonderful the new school will be, but convey a general sense of optimism about how things will go for your children at the new school.

Making the first day easier

·          Remind your children that they are not the only students who are a bit uneasy about the first day of school.

·          Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. They'll see old friends and meet new friends.

·          Give your children some strategies for coping with bullies. They should not give in to a bully's demands, but should simply walk away or tell the bully to stop.

·          Find other children in the neighborhood with whom your youngsters can walk to school or ride with on the bus.

·          If you feel it is appropriate, drive your children (or walk with them) to school and pick them up on the first day.