Whether it’s preparing your toddler for the exciting world of kindergarten or gearing up your adolescent for university, back-to-school anxiety can affect the entire family. Fortunately, there are ways you can ease your child into school and make the first day of junior kindergarten, elementary school, high school or college/university a fun and stress-free experience — for all of you.

Here’s how:

Plan ahead

• Get to the route of the matter. Whether by foot, car or public transit, familiarize your child with the daily school route and departure times a week or so before classes begin.
• Get school wise. If permitted, plan a tour of your child’s school so that they can find out where the cafeteria, classrooms and bathrooms are located.
• Schedule sleep. Bid summer-break hours good-bye and get your child back on the routine of going to bed at a decent hour and rising reasonably early.
• Make it personal. If possible, introduce your child to new teachers or classmates before the first day of school.
• Prep them with a good breakfast. A balanced breakfast is key to getting them energized — and staying that way.
• Acknowledge their stress. Expect your child, teenager or undergrad to experience stress, anxiety and maybe even fear about starting a new school. Don’t ignore these feelings, rather lend a sympathetic ear and share your own “first day” anxieties. For young children, you may want to schedule more time with them in the morning until they get the hang of the new routine, if your job allows.
• Recognize school stress. Long after their first day, your child may show signs of stress. Read Does school = stress for your kids? for information on how to spot the signs and learn tips on how to help them deal with it.

Pack appropriately

• Deck them out right. Make sure your child is dressed for success, wearing school-appropriate clothing that follows any dress code or a school uniform.
• Supply supplies. Arm your child with the appropriate school supplies including pencils, paper, and erasers. High school and college/university students may be given a list of course-specific supplies to purchase so give them a hand to ensure they have everything they need.
• Load them with a good lunch and snacks. Pack a nutrient-rich lunch and healthy snacks for your child to help keep their eyes open and their mind sharp.

Make the first day count

• Send them off with a piece of home. Surprise your child by placing a family photo or special note inside your child’s lunchbox or backpack.
• Spend family time. Regardless of their age, celebrate their first day at school by baking a cake for dessert or heading to their favourite restaurant for dinner.
• Present a positive you. You may be just as anxious as your child when it comes to the first day of school but try to conceal your worries. Instead, be supportive and lend a listening ear. To ease your own stress, try this deep breathing or 5-minute stress busting exercise. It may also help to share these techniques with your child if they’re stressed.