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Some children face their first day of school with anticipation and excitement, raring to get to the new chapter in their lives. For others, that anticipation turns to terror of the unknown. Especially true for a child who has not been to preschool, and is heading off to kindergarten.

Daycare or preschool can be enormously helpful as a stepping-stone to school. Even for the parents who can't bare or afford to have their children in full day programs, most communities offer pre-school programs that are only a few hours a few times a week. Even that, experts say, is often more than enough to take much of the terror out of the first day. Separating from one's parents is as hard if not harder for children than for their parents. If the first experience is set to be for fives days a week, all day long, it is easy to see where the trepidation would come into play.

Knowing at least one other child who is also entering school that year can be tremendously helpful in alleviating a child's fears. If the other child is also fearful, they will have the comfort of knowing they are in it together, and knowing there is a familiar, friendly face they can count on seeing. If the other child is not apprehensive, they can really help to lessen the fear.

Another thing that can really help tamp down those first day of school fears is visiting the school and classroom before hand. Teachers are used to such requests, and most have no problem with the child visiting the classroom at some point during the summer before classes begin. Walking the halls, seeing the art room, the library, gym and bathrooms gives the child a feel for the building, and takes out a lot of the unknowns that can be very frightening to a child. During the months and weeks preceding school, spend as much time as possible at the school playground. This serves two purposes; first, it acclimates the child to the environment of the school, and second it gives them a great chance to make new friends from the school.

On the first day of school it is important to find out the policies of your child's school and teacher. Some welcome parents to stay as long as they and the child feel necessary. Others prefer that the parents leave as soon as class begins. Finding out the policies and letting your child know what they can expect before the first day can help them feel more control about the situation. The most important thing for parents to remember is that even though it might be a terrifying experience for their child, it is one that is necessary, and will get better in time. If after a few weeks time the child is still upset, it may be time to see if the teacher and your child are a good fit. The first year of school is crucial for many reasons, it is the starting point of your child's education and you want it to go as smoothly and comfortably as possible.

Learn more about this author, Melissa Myrick.
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