1. Introduce the idea of school early - Sart talking to your child about school a few weeks before their first day. Read books about school, talk about the fun things they will do and the friends they will make. Make it sound exciting and positive to build anticipation

2. Visit the school beforehand - If possible, take your child to visit the school before their first day. Show them around the campus, including the classrooms, playground, and other facilities. Familiarizing them with the environment can help reduce anxiety.

3. Meet the teacher -  Arrange a meet-and-greet with your child's teacher before the first day of school. This will allow your child to become familiar with the teacher and feel more comfortable when they meet them on their first day.

4. Establish a routine - Start establishing a consistent daily routine for your child in the weeks leading up to their first day of school. This includes regular wake-up times, mealtimes, and bedtimes. Having a predictable routine can help your child feel more secure and prepared.

5. Keep your anxiety at bay - If your child sees you anxious while preparing for the first day, nervousness is sure to set in. Stay calm and avoid the morning rush.

6. Talk about emotions -  Let your child know that it's okay to feel nervous or scared about starting school. Encourage them to express their feelings and reassure them that it's normal to feel that way. Validate their emotions and provide comfort and support.

7. Practice separation - If your child has never been away from you for an extended period of time, practice brief separations beforehand. Start with short separations and gradually increase the duration. This can help your child build confidence in being apart from you and ease their separation anxiety.

8. Pack a comfort item - Consider allowing your child to bring a comfort item from home, such as a favorite toy or a family photo, to school. Having something familiar can provide comfort and a sense of security during the school day.

9. Plan a special goodbye - On the first day of school, plan a special goodbye ritual with your child. It could be a special handshake, a hug, or a kiss. Let your child know that you will be waiting for them when school is over and that you are proud of them.

10. Stay positive and calm - Children can pick up on their parents' emotions, so try to stay positive and calm during the drop-off process. If you are confident and relaxed, it can help your child feel more at ease as well.

11. Follow up with positive reinforcement - After the first day of school, praise and reward your child for their bravery and accomplishment. Celebrate their achievements and reassure them that they are doing great.