Imagine what it feels like to be in a room with 15 five-year-old boys and girls you’ve never seen before. Now imagine that half of those children are screaming and trying to make a break for the front door, or that many of them are still crying because their parent left the classroom. Perhaps it’s even easier to imagine how each parent feels as he or she exits the school, realizing that the academic experience has begun. Think about the guilt these parents must be feeling as they walk away to the sound of their child’s sobs.

Sound traumatic? Well, maybe. But there are some things parents can do to ease the transition. Here are a few to consider:

1. Create a countdown calendar and place it in an area of the home where your child can see it and reach it, and then mark down the days until the first day of school.
2. Help your child select a special lunchbox and book bag. Then help him put his name on the items.
3. Choose a new outfit that your child can wear to school at least a day or two before the first day. Tell her how great she looks in it.
4. Visit your child’s school during the summer months to familiarize her with the new surroundings.
5. Ease any excessive anxiety by making an appointment to meet the teacher before the first day of school.
6. Treat your child to something special on the morning of the first day, like a trip to the donut or bagel shop.
7. Schedule a little time off work that morning and free yourself up to hang around the classroom for a half hour or so. This will help your child adjust to the other kids and the new environment.
8. Introduce your child to some of the other classmates when you first arrive.
9. Write a short note and hide it in your child’s lunchbox as a surprise for later in the day.
10. Celebrate your child’s first day by discussing what took place and reminding her that there will be many more great days ahead.