Make sure they’re mentally ready

If your kids are anxious about the new school year, tell them a positive story about your childhood days, or point out a time when they had a really good day at school and remind them that they’ll come again soon. Go over the positive aspects of going back to school: how it’ll be fun, they’ll get to see old friends and be able to make new ones.

“In one of our key Girls on the Run lessons, we teach girls that their special and unique shining stars,” Kukowski says. “And even though dark clouds may begin to block their light from time to time, we really try to inspire the girls to take a deep breath and see the positives despite any overcast nights.”

Give positive reinforcement, whether it’s nice notes in their lunchbox or helping them positively visualize how their first day of school will go the night before.