The following are tips from teachers, parents and psychologists.
Before school starts:
Visit the school, or at least the playground, to help the child get his bearings.
Mention that feeling nervous is normal and okay. Don't dismiss their feelings.
Point out that their teacher is probably nervous, too.
Share a personal experience of anxiety about school and managing the feelings.
Read a book on theme the first week of school: First Day Jitters, The Kissing Hand, Oh, the Places You'll Go!, Wemberly Worried.
The big day:
Make sure the morning is calm and you're not late.
Pack a lunch with a favourite food or snack in it.
Send an encouraging note in their lunch about how proud and excited you are for them.
Discuss how it went over dinner; don't single out the nervous child but get the whole family to share details of their day.
Beyond:
If there seems to be a problem, don't hesitate to book a meeting with the teacher.
If anxieties aren't smoothed out after a month – and especially if a child is crying often, refusing to go to school, losing sleep and withdrawing from other activities – go see your family doctor to discuss.