Sending your child off to school is an emotional experience, emotional for both the parent(s) and the child. This is a significant landmark in their development. For some this is the first time they have been separated from their parents. There are so many new things the children will be exposed to on their own. Up until this time in their life, we as parents have been able to shape the environment in which they live, for example, the TV shows they watch, the company they keep, the toys they play with, and the language they hear. Sending them off to school seems to jeopardize this comfort zone. Trust your instincts and have faith in the faculty and staff at the school that you so carefully selected.

Children will follow our lead. If we present the first day of school as being something to fear, they will respond accordingly. Be positive. Talk about their first day. If you are too excited they can be overwhelmed. Drive to the school. Discuss how you will get into the classroom and name the teacher who will greet him at the door. If your child went with you to visit the school, remind him about some of the toys that were there, some of the rooms he can play in, and try to review a general routine for the day with them. Empower your child with a trip to the store to select his special lunch box. (Occasionally put a note/picture in the lunch box to surprise him. The teacher can read it to him!) We all feel better in awkward situations with something in our hands to carry and to hold on to. Discuss some of the choices he may have for snacks. Giving your child mental picture of their day in school will be very helpful.

Some children will cheerfully go off to play with something of interest in the classroom, while some will cling to their parent and cry. Be strong. Do not take it personally if your child falls apart. Remember that usually two minutes after you leave she will be fine. Tell her you love her and that you will be back at the scheduled time to pick them up. The concept of time is hard for a preschooler to grasp. Explain it in words she will understand. "I'll meet you on the playground; I'll see you right after snack." Smile and leave.

Be sure to set a reasonable bedtime to ensure proper sleep. Summer schedules tend to be more lax. Try to get them into a routine at least a week prior to the start of school. It is easier on everyone involved. Have a plan for the first day. Put all the things you will need - the backpack, the lunchbox, the camera at the front door. Consider putting their clothes and shoes out the night before, as well. Whatever you establish as your routine, stick to it. This will also serve to help your child with this transition.

Consider giving your child some small token to keep for remembering you when you are separated. Such an item could be a ring, a picture they could keep in their pocket, a coin or two, or a kiss on the hand. Explain to your child that if he missed you all he needs to do is touch this object and he should feel your love. You could have a similar object that you will use for the same purpose. This whole process is very well depicted in a book entitled 'The Kissing Hand.'

Have faith that the process does get easier. Children quickly find comfort in the routine of the program and faith in your prompt return to pick them up. They readily make friends and have a wonderful time.