Some kids sleep in their backpacks the night before school out of excitement.

And then there are the kiddos you have to physically haul onto the bus yourself they’re so nervous.

If you’ve got a jittery kiddo about to go into another year at their elementary school, here are a few tips to help quell their back-to-school anxiety.

Tips to Help Children Overcome First-Day Jitters

1. Share Your Story: Sometimes kids just need to know that other people have been scared, and that they made it out the other side safe and sound. Share some stories of when you were a kid and what you were afraid of to encourage your child to openly communicate their feelings.
2. Visit the School: Take your children to visit the school before the first day. Familiarizing them with the surroundings can help reduce the fear of the unknown!
3. Meet the Teacher: If possible, arrange a meeting with the new teacher before the school year begins. This interaction can ease anxiety by introducing children to the person who will be guiding them throughout the year.
4. Positive Reinforcement: Offer encouragement and praise to build your child’s confidence. Remind them of their past achievements and how they successfully tackled similar situations in the past.
5. Establish a Routine: Start easing into a school routine a week or two before the academic year starts. This helps children adjust to the schedule gradually.
6. Role-Playing: Engage in pretend play where you and your child can act out different scenarios they might encounter at school. This approach can help them feel more prepared. And for the kiddos out there who have trouble expressing themselves, this is particularly helpful.
7. Pack a Comfort Item: Allow your child to bring a familiar item, like a favorite toy or a family photo, to school. Having a comforting object can provide emotional support during stressful days.
8. Create a Countdown: Build excitement about the upcoming school year by making a countdown calendar together. This can shift the focus from anxiety to anticipation.
9. Organize a Playdate: If possible, arrange a playdate with a classmate who will also be starting school. Knowing a friend in the class can make the first day less intimidating.
10. Pray Together: Most importantly, pray and encourage your kiddo to offer up their anxiety to Jesus. And remind them that Jesus will be with them every day at school!

We hope these tips help! Best of luck to all you parents out there on the front lines. You’re troopers!