Checklist For First Day Of School

Is your child registered? When is the first day of school? What time does school start?

What time is lunch? Can your child buy it at school, and how much will it cost? Will she need a snack?

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 child over the summer that will affect her school day? Does the school nurse know about this condition, or is an appointment set up to discuss it?

If your child needs to take medication at school on the first day, have arrangements been made for this?

Does your youngster know where she is going after school (e.g., home, babysitter)? Does she know how she will get there? If you will not be there when she arrives, does she know who will be responsible for her, what the rules are, and how to get help in an emergency?

Making The First Day Easier

Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.

Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. She'll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh her memory about previous years, when she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time.

Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus.

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

School Avoidance

If your teen is avoiding school, and has anxiety about returning:

Talk to your teenager about why he doesn't want to go to school.

Contact the principal, guidance counselor and school nurse, and make them aware of the situation.

After you've taken steps to rectify the upsetting circumstances, insist that your teen return to school immediately.

Severe phobias may require a gradual reentry to school.

After five days of anxiety-related absences from school, it's time to visit your pediatrician.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics