What do glue sticks, lunch boxes and colorful notebooks have in common? They signal the end of summer and the start of a new school year.

Starting a new school year can be an adjustment for children entering school, be it for their senior year of high school or their first few weeks of kindergarten. The idea of leaving the sun-filled, carefree days of summer and going back to the classroom can be upsetting for some kids, especially if they enjoy spending time with their families at home.

According to Rochelle Harris, PhD, clinical psychologist at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the UMKC School of Medicine, most children experience mixed emotions about going back to school.

"Children will usually express two feelings," Dr. Harris says. "They will be excited about school at one time and at another time think, ‘Oh, what a drag.’"

Whether or not your child is feeling some of these emotions during the first few weeks of school, it is important for each parent to ask their child how he or she is adjusting to the new school year.

"Parents need to take seriously the responsibility of getting the children ready," Dr. Harris says.

If your children seem excited about the new school year, listen to what they have to say. If they seem anxious, listen to their concerns. Often times parents can help their children overcome their back to school "jitters."

Before the new school year begins, Dr. Harris offers the following tips to help your children make the transition from the pools to the classrooms.

• Tape a picture of the family or your child’s pet inside your child’s lunch box. For children who can read, enclose a note with the child’s lunch or in a notebook, saying something like: "Thinking of you," or "I’m proud you’re in school today." If your child is anxious about being away from home, these things can ease his or her feelings and fears of separation.
• Speak positively about school and relate your own positive experiences. "Kids like to hear that mom and dad were once in third grade, too, or what school was like for them," Dr. Harris says.
• Let your children have input. Whether it’s letting them choose what’s in their lunch box or what clothes they wear, the more input children have, the happier they will be. Letting children make decisions helps boost their self-esteem
• Review safety tips. Teach your child to obey traffic markings, to look both ways before crossing the street, to avoid strangers, to wear a helmet when riding a bike and to sit at all times while the school bus is moving.
• Compliment your children. Preparing for the school year is a difficult adjustment for many children, so be sure and acknowledge their efforts. Children look up to and seek approval from their parents and a well-timed hug or word of praise can make your children more willing to follow school routine.

Visit our Back To School Web site for helpful videos, articles, podcasts and links to other important information.