Back to school means new teachers, new school clothes and meeting new people. And these are just my anxieties. Beginning the first day of school can feel overwhelming to kids. For some it means starting a new school, for others it is learning the routine of a new classroom.

As we near the start of school, www.kidshealth.org offers ways to calm first day jitters. Focusing on the positive aspects of going back to school was at the top of the list. It can be exciting seeing school friends again, buying new school supplies and shopping for new clothes.

As we focus on the positive aspect of starting school, we can also encourage our kids to write down concerns they have about school. A discussion about these issues can help kids feel more comfortable about their journey ahead. KidsHealth also encourages families to do active things together such as taking a hike, walking or taking a bike ride…”just getting active can be calming.”

Another suggestion KidsHealth makes is for parents to adjust their schedule the first week of school. As parents we are the “best resource for helping our child to remain calm”. Many schools welcome parent participation and in fact encourage parents to pitch in.

Beyond the first week of school, parents can contribute their time once a month or whenever your schedule allows. My son’s school offers volunteer opportunities in the school library, lunchroom, office and various other committees and extracurricular activities.

I offer a word of caution if you do decide to volunteer at school. An older child may not be as receptive to have you there as a younger child. For instance if you have an eighth-grader, waving frantically and smiling to them as they walk with a group of friends may cause them more anxiety than calmness.

The beginning of the school year can cause jitters for parents as well as kids. Will the new teacher be a good fit for my child? Will he hang out with the right kids? She’d better get good grades.

The volunteer experience can also be a way of calming parental anxiety. We have a chance to view the atmosphere of the school, make a connection with school personnel and sometimes even view teaching styles in action. Feeling connected and having a sense of what is expected can help parents and kids feel calm.

Going back to school shouldn’t mean kicking and screaming all the way. Finding a few ways to manage the anxiety can make a huge difference.

Angela Verges is a writer and mother of two who has put her back to school jitters in a box and tossed them out of a window. She can be reached at awritersdream41@yahoo.com.