A lot of people think kids are cute. Especially their own kids. But even the most doting parent has to admit that their kids are little terrors when it’s time for them to go to school – especially if it’s for the first time.

If you’re a parent faced with the daunting prospect of sending your child to school for the first time, then read on to learn everything you need to know to make it a joyful, memorable and stress-free experience for both of you.

How do parents see the child’s first day at school?
When parents send their kid to preschool, they can’t but help feel a sense of pride. They are overjoyed by the fact that their little one is taking the first step towards a bright future. They feel on top of the world, and this is reflected in the innumerable selfies and social media updates. Sending their child to school is an exciting milestone in a parent’s life. Unfortunately, the child doesn’t necessarily share that excitement…

How do kids see the first day in school?
For a kid, the first day at school is a plunge into the unfamiliar. Their environment changes. They are surrounded by new people and faces. At home, they are the centre of attention. But at school, they have to compete for attention with other kids. This makes them feel left out. Moreover, spending a significant part of their day away from their parents gives them separation anxiety and a feeling that their parents are ‘abandoning’ them. So they cry, fight, kick, throw tantrums, and do whatever it takes to avoid going to school. This, in turn, leaves the parents confused about how to handle the situation and even a little guilty.

So, what do you do?
The first step to finding a solution to this problem is to simply be prepared! Most parents don’t take this issue too seriously. They believe that everything will sort itself out after their kids spend a few days in school. Sometimes, this turns out to be true. But most of the time, it’s necessary for the parents to put in some effort to make things right. Read on to learn how to take your efforts in the right direction.

Mentally prepare your kid
Easier said than done. You have to make your child familiar with the environment so that they do not feel anxious. Here are few ways to mentally prepare your kid:

• Take your kid to school a few times before the actual school opens. Take them inside the campus and show them around.
• Take your kid to their future teacher to get familiar with him or her. This will have a profound effect on the child, as they become comfortable meeting the teacher. This will also help reduce the anxiety of meeting a new person.
• Tell your child how a classroom will be, and what activities they will be engaged in, such as playing, drawing, storytelling, etc.
• Take the kid to other classrooms where the kids are enjoying their time. This will inspire the kid to go to school

Talk to your kid
A little reassurance from the parent, and the feeling of being loved, s what your child is expecting of you. A simple way to reassure your kid is to take your kid to the park and remind them that they can always count on you. Also, make them understand the importance of school, and tell them why they should look forward to it. They will sense your sincerity, and feel more positive about heading to school. Above all, avoid expressing your own anxiety in front of your kid. Doing so will only have the detrimental effect of enhancing their own anxiety.

Organise everything for your kid

• Get the school bag ready a day before, and tell your kid where everything is kept.
• Label everything so that your kid is able to identify their things.
• Teach your kid to keep everything organized.
• Get a lunchbox that is easy for kids to open and close.

How to deal with separation anxiety?
The real challenge is to deal with separation anxiety . Assure your kid that you will return soon to take them home. Give your kid a reward when they manage to spend a day at school without you, without suffering any anxiety. This will serve as a positive reinforcement for your child’s good behavior.

Spend quality time at home
Spending quality time at home with your child becomes even more important once they start going to school. Ask your kid how their day at school went when they get back home. This will reassure them that you are still a major part of their daily lives.

Follow the pointers given above, and you’ll find that your child’s first day at school is the memorable and joyous occasion that you always dreamed it would be!