In some ways, starting school is like starting a new job, but adults know what to expect. Children might lack a frame of reference. They think no one else gets the jitters. Approximately six million Canadian children are getting ready for another school year and there's a lot of things parents can do to ease their fears.
Separation anxiety is the biggest concern for little ones entering junior or senior kindergarten.
And anxious parents only make the situation worse, because kids will pick up on their negative emotions. Parents must keep their own concerns under wraps. And if the tears flow, which is likely at this age, it's best for parents to back off and let the teacher handle it. Most are looking forward to seeing favourite teachers or old friends they haven't seen during the summer. Anxiety or reluctance to return to school may be a result of being teased in the past, or having to tackle a subject they've had problems with, such as math.