Kayla McCoy, a Valley View Elementary School kindergarten teacher, said since Valley View started having parents and children visit the school and meet teachers the day before school starts, she has seen a lot less crying. She said many children are shy the first day, but begin to relax once they start singing songs, reading books, playing games and getting to know each other. Reynolds said having the child meet the teacher and tour of the school makes them feel more comfortable, lessening the separation anxiety. Parents can encourage this quality in their children through simple tasks like taking care of toys, making beds, cleaning up play areas, etc. Give children age-appropriate tasks, then reward them when they complete them.
Parents can introduce the concept of managing time by setting limits on certain activities.
For example, allow the child to watch an hour of self-selected TV per day. This will help prepare them for the later challenge of balancing their time between homework, extra curricular activities, playtime, etc. Begin talking about school in advance as a happy, fun place to learn and be with friends. Avoid discussing bad experiences that others may have had. Explain some of the activities and routines that will occur.