The first day of school can be both exciting and scary, especially for kindergartners who head to class for the very first time in their lives this week.

Adding to the stress and anxiety for our little ones, many school districts did away with orientation because of the pandemic, but UW Psychologist Shannon Dorsey who specialized in childhood and adolescent behavior says, there some simple things parents can do to make their experience a smooth and pleasant one.

Preparation is key.

"If parents know the school's schedule they can help their child predict what will happen, the more equipped they will feel," said Dorsey. "So, if they know first we are going to join for circle, then there is reading time, and then after that we are going to have a snack, you can walk through that schedule with that young kid, especially those rising kindergartners where it is their first time in school."

Role playing can also help your little ones get ready to what to can expect.

"Try having a conversation of 'what would she say, if you said that?' or 'if somebody says this too you, how would you handle it?" said Dorsey. "Just like athletes practice for the race, some practice with scenarios that might occur can give confidence with situations that come up."

And these three tips will help kids of all ages: sleep, diet and exercise.

"Young people whether elementary, middle or high school need to get good sleep," said Dorsey. "They need to eat food that is healthy and sustaining, and move their bodies and get some activity. Anxiety and depression overlap and for depression exercise is a very affective treatment."