It's been months of built up excitement and anticipation for you and your little six- going-on-seven-year-old. You've told them about what they can expect from school, what they'll be excited about, what they'll be good at and that they're going to meet loads of new friends.

You've taken them to orientation day and you've spent a small fortune on stationery, uniforms, haircuts and shoes. And now the day has arrived.

How do you feel? Possibly a little pang of dismay at the realisation that your baby is growing up. Maybe a sense of pride and relief that they're growing up so well? It's complicated and you're going to make it through just fine. Here are some tips and ideas for making the first day of school the best day ever.

Routine

No crying please, Mom!

No tear-shedding in front of your kid! This is meant to be a happy time and you need to make sure that you send them off with confidence and as little trepidation as possible. It's a big day and one that should help them to enjoy school.

Pay attention

If you're allowed in the class for a first introduction, pay attention to the rules and requirements that the teacher lays down. These are put in place to ensure that everyone knows what's required of them, including the parents.

Make new friends

You and your child may already know many of the children starting, but make sure that others feel welcome too and encourage your child to be kind to those who may not have as many friends.

Homework for parents

Prepare yourself for Grade 1 homework. Because you'll be doing a lot of it. Make sure you sit down with your child on a daily basis to check that all homework and letters to parents are seen to.

Keep a watch on how your child seems to be grasping their work and if you're concerned, set up an appointment to chat to the teacher. Their foundation phase is a hugely important time in their lives and will help them cope with school work in years to come, so the more help they get now, the better.

Eat well, live well

Pack a good lunch. Remember, they're going to be using a lot of energy and will need some high energy food that will help them through the whole day. Sandwiches are a great idea. We all joke about peanut butter as a typical 'school' sandwich spread, but honestly, peanut butter is jam-packed full of energy. Pop a little wedge of cheese, some yoghurt or a milk drink into their lunch box too as this will help to fill that tummy-gap and provide them with the essential protein they'll need.

For drinks, a bottle of water is a better idea than sugared juice. Even fruit juice is very high in sugar. Instead of sugary juices, give your child a piece of fruit to enjoy. Dried fruit is also an option and offers a good source of energy and fiber.

Consider what a challenge it must be for the teacher to have to control a classroom full of children on sugar highs after their break.

Giving your child healthier alternatives will not only mean they're better off behaviour-wise, but also that their energy will be sustainable for longer periods, allowing them to concentrate and cope better with their new environment.

Classroom drop-off

In the first few weeks, while your child is still learning their way around the school, it's ok to walk them to their classroom. But it's important that you eventually let them walk in by themselves so that they settle in at school properly and don't feel as if they need your reassurance all the time.

May the first day at school be a wonderful time for you and your child. Have fun and enjoy all the stories they'll be telling you at dinner time!

The iafrica.com team reminisces about their first day at school here.

Tell us how your child's first day went by clicking here.

Have any suggestions, advice or queries? Email me by clicking here.