What can I do to make it easier for my child when the time comes for her to start school?

Many children can't wait to start school and have no problems embarking on this new chapter in their lives.

However, even the most confident of four year olds can find the whole thing just a little daunting. Fortunately, there are steps you can take as a parent to help your child breeze through her first day...

Show her the school
Taking her to visit her new school before term starts will help her feel comfortable in this strange new environment. Make use of any open days the school may be having and be sure to show your child everything from her classroom to the little girl's room.

Books and videos
Providing your child books and videos about school life helps prepare her for what lies ahead. It gives her an understanding of what school will be like and how much fun it can be.

Make a friend before
Most children will make new friends at school very quickly but you can always give them a helping hand by organizing a play date before term begins with one of the pupils who will be in your child's class. Ask the school for a class list if you don't know any of the mothers.

Routine
School life requires children to adapt to a more regimented routine than they will have experienced in short lives. In the weeks leading up to the start of school, it can be helpful to get you child into a similar routine i.e. Going to bed and getting up at the same time and so on.

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