“There are several things parents can do to ease those first-day-of-school blues,” says Cherie Hughes, a clinical and consulting psychologist at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. Whatever your child’s age, you can ease those first-day jitters by helping the student plan for a new school year. “You’ll reinforce the importance of school and make the worries of a new school year less traumatic,” Hughes says.

But remember: The amount of help a student wants differs by age. An elementary-schooler needs plenty of help, while a middle-schooler expects a bit more freedom. An older student might not want Mom and Dad to make any fuss — but parents should find ways to stay involved because high school presents more choices.

Here’s how you can prepare your child for a new year in the classroom:

	Two weeks before the school year begins, get your child back in the habit of going to bed, rising and eating meals at set times. All youngsters need time to adjust to school schedules after summer activities.
	Two weeks before the school year begins, get your child back in the habit of going to bed, rising and eating meals at set times. All youngsters need time to adjust to school schedules after summer activities.
	Make a special trip to the store to buy school supplies. Make a side trip to a clothing store and buy your child a new outfit for the first day.
	On a calendar, start counting down the days until school begins.
	Plan a special back-to-school dinner with your child’s help. Rise early and prepare a favorite breakfast on the first day of school.

It’s especially important for a young student to be familiar with new surroundings. To quell any fears of going to a new school:
	Drive by the school and point it out to your child.
	Take the child to the school and walk around. Play on the playground and look in classrooms and the lunchroom.
	If the child will walk to school, walk the route with him or her at least one morning or afternoon.