A checklist for parents to help ease the transition from holidays to school time

It is that time of year again.... its time for the kids to go back to school. As the end of the holiday approaches, children experience mixed feelings about their return to school including anxiety, excitement, joy, fear and curiosity. Most parents are only too happy that the holidays have come to an end, but they too may feel stressed at the thought of hectic mornings and balancing schedules.

For kids who are beginning kindergarten or middle school or moving to a new school, there's the challenge of a totally new environment. But even for those returning to the same school, there are new teachers, new books, new expectations and perhaps new classmates to think about. Some very young children also experience separation anxiety after being with their parents so much during the holidays.

Here's how to help your child off to a good start

Acknowledge and empathise
With the mixed emotions your children may be experiencing, they are probably at least a little excited by the prospect of beginning school again. Rejoice with them over all the friends they will meet, the new teachers and the wonderful experiences they will encounter in the coming year. However your child is probably nervous too. That's normal and should be expected. You may want to share some of the things you yourself worried about when you were a child.

Note If your child thoroughly dreads the idea of going back to school, however, something is wrong. Now is the time to talk to him about his fears. There may be strong academic, social or even safety concerns. Contact your child's teacher as soon as possible.

A week before school begins 

Set your alarm clock About a week before school starts, get your child to start going to bed at his school-night bedtime and wake up at the regular time. He needs to start doing this days ahead because it takes time to adjust to a new schedule.

Organise the home Get your child to organise her desk and workspace to prepare for homework. Get the uniforms ready.

Buy school supplies Buy whatever is needed for school - pencil-box, water bottle, lunch box, crayons, pencils etc, and see that the schoolbooks are covered. Most kids enjoy doing this and look forward to taking them to school on the first day.

Take a school tour If your child is going to a new school, see if it is possible to take her around the school and find the classroom, canteen, bathroom and other places she needs to know.

The day before school starts

Keep clothes ready Have your child keep out his uniform, shoes and socks the night before. This will help him start off the morning on a calm, predictable note. This is a habit to be encouraged through the year.

Pack the school bag Children also fear forgetting their books, pencils, money or other things they need for school. Make sure you establish a routine that requires your child to pack her book bag every night before she goes to bed.

Send a family photo Send a photo of your family (for younger children) or a reassuring note in your child's bag or lunch box for the first week to help him cope with separation anxiety.

On the first day of school

Wake your child up early Getting up early ensures your child is not rushed and has time to eat a good breakfast and be less anxious as they leave and have more energy.

Take the school bus Don't drive your child to school on the first day if he/she normally takes the school bus. Bad habits form very quickly.

As parents you can set the tone for a successful transition to the new class. Chances are the school year will be a little less frantic and, hopefully, more successful.