For many young families, school is just around the corner. This is an exciting time for children, but it can bring a lot of anxiety as well. Will they like their teacher? Will their best friend be in their class? Will they have homework?

Here are a few truths you can share to reassure your child.

1. Before you even arrive in the classroom, your teacher has already devoted hours of time preparing an ideal learning environment for you. From organizing the bookshelves and manipulatives to arranging furniture and hanging posters for optimal learning, your teacher has done everything possible to make you feel welcome.

2. To make friends, be a friend. Remember, every other child in your classroom experiences similar hopes and fears. If you are kind, honest, and empathetic, you are sure to connect with someone else. If you’re nervous,  pray that God will bring you a friend.

3. With a new grade comes new expectations. But your new teacher will help you know what those are and help you establish new routines. Remember, it may take a few days to form a habit, so be patient with yourself.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The adults in your school and your classmates want you to be successful, and most are willing to lend a hand if you need one.

5. Mistakes are okay. Everyone makes them. It’s how you respond to them that makes the difference. Here are a few things to remember when (not if) you make a mistake.

• Own it.

• Apologize if needed.

• Try again.

• Don’t give up—if what you’re doing isn’t working, try something else.

• Forgive yourself.

• Move on.

Since this is a blog that focuses on books, here are three you might read to help your child further prepare for the first day.

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex is told from the school building’s point of view. Kids get to see a building with everything clean and shiny—and experience some of the same fears about the start of a new year.

Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can’t Go to School by Christina Geist is a book where the parents are the ones excited for the first day of school, and it’s up to the kids to straighten them out.

Our God Is Bigger Than That by Michelle Medlock Adams and Eve Marie Everson reminds kids they have a God who is bigger than anything they fear. Apply that to the first day of school, and you’re golden!

What are some suggestions or books you can share to help kids ease into the start of a new school year? Please post them in the comments below. And be sure to sign up to receive updates of each new post on our Christian Children’s Authors blog. Follow us for new book news, free resources, parenting tips, and encouragement!

By Lori Z. Scott

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