Vital Stats: Number of students enrolled at Bronx public schools. (Source: New York City Department of Education)

No matter if your child is starting their first day of pre-K or their last year of high school, back-to-school season can often stir feelings of anxiety, stress and even fear. While many of these feelings quickly dissipate once the child makes friends and settles into their new environment, some children find the transition to a new grade or school a little more difficult.

“The key to reducing back-to-school jitters is open lines of communication and creating a sense of normalcy and calm,” said Kari Collins, Ph.D., director of mental health services at the Montefiore School Health Program. Here are some tips for a smooth start to the new school year:

Lead By Example

Maintain a positive attitude when talking about the new grade or school– highlight how exciting it is to meet new people and make new friends.

Children can sense when their parent is anxious, so remain upbeat and optimistic. Let your child know that being nervous is a normal feeling and reassure them they will feel more comfortable as time goes on. Share examples of how you felt during your first day at school or a new job and explain that these feelings can be overcome.

Preparation Is Key

Do walkthroughs: Visit the school campus ahead of time and arrange to meet the teacher. This will help to make your child familiar with the environment and more at ease with the new surroundings.

Gradually transition kids to an earlier bed- and wake-up time. Begin a week before school starts by moving everything in the routine back 15 minutes, for example move dinner to 6.30 p.m. instead of 6.45 p.m., bath time then happens earlier, as does reading and bedtime.

Practical Parenting

For preschoolers, set up group playdates with other children to help them prepare for their new shared environment. For pre-K and elementary kids, teach them how to introduce themselves to new people. Role play and practice saying “Hi, my name is [Jane]; what’s yours?” Of course it’s important to emphasize the difference between talking to peers and strangers.

Teen Troubles

While many parents get the impression their teen wants to handle things on their own, it’s important to know what’s going on in your child’s life and offer support and guidance. Get to know the parenting coordinator at school, register for email updates to be alerted about exams, college fairs, application deadlines and big sporting events. Sign up to receive the academic calendar and make sure you check in with your teen when an important date is approaching so you can offer assistance and let them know you’re there for them.

High school can be the most trying time of all. With more intense academic pressures and a new peer group, it can take longer to adjust. However if you’re still concerned about your teen’s ability to cope with their new environment after the first month of school, seek out resources and assistance from the guidance counselor.

“It’s a parent’s responsibility to know what’s happening in their child’s life and address any issues together,” said Collins. “Offering support, guidance and positive reinforcement goes a long way in helping