5 ways to ease pre-k anxiety

Baltimore - Pre-K is an exciting and scary time for mom dad and the new student. So for everyone there are things you can do to make the first day easier.
 

Tip #1: Don't ignore the worries. Let you child know that you understand his or her fear.

Tip #2: Get your pre-schooler prepared. Amber O'Brien with the Goddard School in White Marsh says preparing your child will help their fears go away, 'Anxiety is caused by not knowing what to expect so whatever you can do to let that child know what to expect: visiting the school ahead of time, reading library books, going over the schedule... as much as they know about what to expect.'

Tip #3: Understand accidents do happen. Anxiety can cause all sorts of problems for children, explains Education Director Kim Spriggs, 'A child may start having accidents, may not sleep well at night, a child's eating habits may change these are all signs that they are having a little bit of stress.'

Tip #4: Ask Questions. Find out what your child is excited about so he or she can focus on the positive things they'll be doing at school.

And Tip #5 is for Moms and Dads: Don't overdue it, 'Some parents will talk and talk and talk and actually cause their kids to have anxiety.'

And remember, you'll all be together again at the end of the day to share your stories.