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As summer is nearing an end, more students are preparing to go back to school. While some kids might be excited to see their friends, others might suffer from back-to-school anxiety. Even though a little bit of anxiety is normal, especially for young kids, parents should still consider finding ways to prep their children's mindset.

Here are four ways to relieve your child's back-to-school anxiety:

1. Attend Orientation

Parents should consider attending orientation with their kids regardless of how old they are. For anyone, starting a new school can be intimidating, which could trigger anxiety. By visiting the school grounds before the start of a new year, kids can get a feel of where they will be spending most of their mornings and afternoons until next summer. If the school is large, orientation an help kids familiarize themselves with the surroundings and avoid getting overwhelmed on day one.

2. Prepare for School

Once school starts, parents and children tend to get back into a routine. In order to ease children into a routine, parents can start the preparation a couple of days to a few weeks early. Small things, such as waking up in the morning and preparing breakfast can help children with the transition from summer to school. Parents can also use fun and interactive routine charts to make the children feel more involved with what goes on in their lives. School preparation also includes buying supplies and getting all the needed medical check ups.

3. Devise a Back-Up Plan

For many kids, getting to school requires transportation. Children who get driven to school do not have to worry about getting to school late. Children who do not have that option must rely on school bus schedules. For these kids, missing the bus and being late to school can cause high levels of anxiety. In order to prevent anxiety from taking over, parents should discuss a back-up plan with their children if they end up missing a bus or if the bus, for some reason, is not working.

4. Communicate

Parents must also remember to take the time to sit down and talk to their children about school. By creating a relaxed atmosphere, children will be more willing to admit their fears or concerns about starting school. With open communication, parents can help their kids overcome these issues. Parents can also seek extra help from the school's guidance counselor.

For the majority of children, the start of school is inevitable. Instead of viewing it as an anxious day, parents can help their kids prepare and look forward to the beginning of a new school year.