|  | From Amanda Rock, your About Parenting Editor As we head into August, more and more kids across the country will say goodbye to summer and say hello to the classroom. For some (like my daughter), the first day of school is something to be excited about and look forward to. For others (like my son), the first day of school is something that should not be mentioned until absolutely necessary (that morning, perhaps?). | | Tips for Easing Back to School Anxiety Now my son, who will be entering 8th grade, isn't nervous about going back to school, he's just reluctant to part with the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer he's been enjoying since the end of June. But for some kids, the thought of pencils, school buses, and backpacks makes them a bit anxious. Katherine has suggestions on how to help. | Locker Tips for Preteens When my son entered middle school, he and I attended orientation, which was held about a week before the first day. The meeting was an hour long. The principal spent about 10 minutes going over policies and what kids could expect, and the remaining 50 minutes explaining how the lockers worked. For middle schoolers who have "locker anxiety," Jennifer has some great tips. | The Night Before the First Day of Preschool If you've got a newly-minted preschooler who has never had a first day of school before, the night before the first day is super important. Check out our tips for helping everyone (the student and the parent) relax and get ready for the morning. | Best Picture Books About Starting School For younger students, going back to school can be a difficult transition -- no one likes to say goodbye to the fun-filled days of summer! To help your little one get used to the idea of going to school again (or starting for the first time), Elizabeth has compiled some great books you can read together. | | | | Related Searches | | | | Featured Articles | | | | | | Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics | | | | You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Parenting newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2013 About.com | | | | Make Time For Yourself | | Advertisement | |