Making the First Day Easier

If your child is anxious about the first day of school, reassure her that she is not the only student who may feel a bit uneasy. Before the first day approaches you can:

• Help your child focus on the positive aspects of starting school, including remembering the good and fun times at school, and seeing old friends and making new friends.
• Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your child can walk to school or ride with on the bus. See How to Safely Travel To and From School.
• Make your child's favorite breakfast and slip an encouraging note like "Hope you have a great day!" in her lunch bag.
   

  Backpack Safety 

  • Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. 
  • Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child's body weight. 
  • Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles. 
  • If your school allows, consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow.
  

  Traveling To and From School 

  Review the basic rules with your youngster:

  School Bus

• If your child's school bus has lap/shoulder seat belts, make sure your child uses one at all times when in the bus. If your child's school bus does not have lap/shoulder belts, encourage the school to buy or lease buses with lap/shoulder belts.
• Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb. 
• Do not move around on the bus. 
• Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street. 
• Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver. 
• Children should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the bus or to the school building.

• Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride. 
• Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic. 
• Use appropriate hand signals. 
• Respect traffic lights and stop signs. 
• Wear bright color clothing to increase visibility. 
• Know the "rules of the road."