First day of preschool jitters? Back-to-school blues?  Whether kids are starting preschool, preK, or kindergarten, children (and parents!) often experience anxiety about starting school.

Preschoolers have a lot of questions and concerns about starting school.  What will the teacher be like? Who will play they play with or take care of them if they have a problem? When will mommy and daddy be back to pick me up?

Help your child work through their apprehensions by reading our book picks for curbing your preschooler’s back to school anxiety!

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Best Preschool Books for Soothing Back-to-School Anxiety

Preschoolers may not ask these questions directly, but they might be thinking:

1. Am I smart enough for school?

Your child sees other students doing new things — like writing or math — and they begin to wonder whether they are “smart” enough for school.

Reassure your child that they can-do! New skills take practice and time to learn.  The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School can help ease a child’s fear about what is expected of them in school and help them feel that they belong.

2.What will my new teacher be like?

In My Teacher is a Monster (No, I am Not), little Bobby does not like his new teacher one little bit, and the reason is clear; she is a Monster!  But throughout the book, Bobby comes to see his teacher as a very real, loving human being in this charming book about the special relationship between students and teachers.

3.Why do I have to go to school?

On My Way to School is a great back to school book for kids who don’t want summer to end and are questioning why they have to go to school.  Procrastinating Livi tries everything to avoid school, but by the end of the first day, she’s had so much fun she’s reluctant to leave!

4. I’m scared to leave you.  Can’t you stay at school with me?

[sc:book39]The Kissing Hand is a heartwarming classic for soothing separation anxiety and curbing the first day jitters.  Mrs. Raccoon shares her reassuring secret of how her love is with her son, even when she is not there.  A must-read for every child and parent.

5.Who will play with me?

Both children and parents worry about how to make friends at a new school.  Will I Have a Friend?, a Library of Congress Children’s Book of the Year, tells the story about a little boy starting Kindergarten who discovers a friend who shares his same fears.

6. What will preschool be like?

It’s Time for Preschool is a delightful introduction to the world of preschool for young children and their parents.  Warm and welcoming, this book  helps make going to school a little less scary and guaranteed fun!

This simple rhyming book, The Night Before Preschool, describes the anxiety of starting school…..and the excitement of going back!

And remember, parents often get back-to-school anxiety, too!!  Be strong for your child, and enjoy the transition together.

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