Going back to school can be a time of excitement and anxiety for children and parents. Children may be looking forward to seeing friends and getting involved in school teams and clubs again. They may also feel a sense of dread about homework, fitting in and leaving home. Parents worry about their children having a successful school year academically and socially. Sending your first child out into the world and into the capable hands of a teacher can certainly be scary.

The transition from the laid-back days and late nights of summer can be tricky. It may help to gradually shift the schedule a week or so before school begins. For example, start turning off the TV, computer, and video games earlier at night to get kids back into the school bedtime routine. This may be more difficult for teens who, over the summer, transformed themselves into nocturnal animals sleeping late into the day. Buy school supplies and help your child get organized for the upcoming school year one to two weeks before school starts. Buy special lunch treats to be used for school lunches only. This may make the thought of heading back to school easier.

Most children, regardless of age, get a little nervous before a new school year begins. Parents can help calm the fears of their children. You can start by talking to your child openly, asking specific questions if you sense that he is nervous. Validate that it is okay to feel nervous, and that most kids have some jitters before starting kindergarten or returning to school in the fall. Be willing to acknowledge his fears and help him problem-solve. Ask your child to name two things he can do to solve a specific problem. If he gets stuck, help him out…if he's nervous about being able to dribble a basketball, shoot hoops with him to help him improve his skills. Help the child remember a time when he had the problem in the past and remind him how he worked through it then. Reassurance from parents and recalling the memory may be enough to help a child through his anxiety. Children easily pick up on parents' anxiety. It is important to show confidence in your child and his ability to solve problems.

For most children (grownups too) the biggest fear is often fear of the unknown. Eliminating the unknowns can help tremendously. Asking your child's school for a list of what she is expected to know before starting kindergarten can ease those first steps into the classroom. Talking to other parents about their child's first day of school may be helpful. If it's the first time going to a new school, check out the school with your child. Walk, bike or drive the route your child will take to school. If she is riding a bus, know where the stop is (published in the paper) and how she is going to get there. Walk around the campus and look at the classrooms through the windows. Acquaint your child with the playground. This helps with familiarity and is something for your child to look forward to when school begins.

Many children experience separation anxiety and don't want to go to school-don't panic! This is common among younger children, especially kindergarteners and first graders going a full day for the first time. Finding out what the specific problem is could be helpful. Is it school related, i.e., no friends, learning disorders, bad lunches? Many kids don't want to attend school after a long period at home, like after summer vacation, when they grew closer to a parent. Remember to take their fears seriously, listen and reassure. Consult with your child's teacher, school counselor or a mental health professional if problems persist to the point of interfering with attendance and/or academic performance.

And, while you're preparing for back-to-school time, don't forget to delight in the beautiful days of summer that are left!