Preparing children for first day of school
State Point Media Wire

That first day of school can be both exciting and frightening for young children and their parents, so proper preparation can go a long way in making the transition a smooth one.

"Getting ready for school is an event that parents face with mixed emotions - a sense of excitement about our children's development and new experiences to come; a sense of loss because our children are growing up; a sense of helplessness because we are no longer in control; perhaps apprehension be- cause we will not be there to protect them," said Cathy Beard, family support specialist with the Early Childhood Center at the Indiana Institute for Disability and Community at Indiana University.

Here are some tips from Beard on helping young kids adjust to going to school for the first time:

• Build up the big day. "Always talk about school in a positive way," Beard said. Reading books about going to school and making new friends, circling the date on the calendar, and planning a special family outing to celebrate going to school can help build enthusiasm.

• Practice, practice, practice. Beard suggests taking a bus ride and talking about bus rules, visiting the new school and playing on the grounds, carrying a backpack with a book or two inside, and packing lunchbox picnics in advance.

• Assess self-help skills. Things like putting on and taking off outerwear, tying shoes and using table manners are essential skills for an independent school day. Also make sure your child has experience using public restrooms.

• Establish a sleep schedule you can follow during the school year. Remember to allow extra time in the morning for everyone to get ready. Gradually moving toward the bedtime you'll use during the school year will help your child adjust. "Do this early so it is not viewed by your child as a drawback to going to school," Beard said.

Good planning can bring both you and your child a sense of control and lessen some of the fears you both may feel about this exciting new time.