Video:How to Prepare Your Child for the First Day of School

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Transcript:How to Prepare Your Child for the First Day of School

Hi, I'm Angela de Jong-Angelici for About.com Parenting. Preparing your child to head off to school for the very first time is an important task. This program will give you tips to make the transition to school go smoothly.

Discuss What Going to School Entails

The first thing to do is talk to your child about going to school. Tell your child how important it is and what a big deal it is that they get to go to school. Talk about how they will get to play with other children their age, learn to read and other fun activities. Be sure and tell them that they are so grown-up to get to go to school.

If there are older children already in school you can use that to tell them how they get to go to school just like big sis does. You can even tell them about things you remember from going to school.

Take Your Child to School Orientations

Make sure and attend the new school orientation with your child. It will give them a chance to see the school and meet their new teacher. Take them to their classroom and be sure to show them where the restrooms and cafeteria are located. Try to meet some of the other parents and kids and plan a play date before school starts. One good place to host the play date would be at the school's playground.

Include Your Child in School Shopping

Once you have your school supply lists, it's time to shop. Plan a day with your child to go pick out their new school supplies. Talk about the fun things they will create at school with their new paints, markers and crayons. Shop for new school clothes or uniforms and let your child have a fashion show for the family to show off their new outfits.

Begin School Routines Early

A few weeks before school starts get into a school routine. Go to bed on time and get the kids up when they would have to for school. Try to have breakfast as a family and talk about what it will be like when school starts.

Try a First-Day Practice Run

The week before, go over all the details with your child and have a practice run. Lay out clothes the night before, pack lunches and backpack. Drive the route to the school and show your child where you will drop them off. And then discuss where to meet after school and how you will pick them up.

Celebrate the First Day of School

The weekend before, it's time to celebrate. Plan a nice meal with the whole family and give your child something special. Perhaps that cartoon character note pad they wanted to buy when you were out getting school supplies.

Making your child comfortable is the key to a stress free and fun first day of school for everyone. To learn more, visit us on the Web at parenting.about.com.