Introducing your cherished little ones to a brand new environment away from home is a scary prospect for any parent.

We often ask ourselves the same questions every single day: Are they missing home? Will they adapt to a scary new environment? Are the teachers treating them well? Did they eat enough? What if they have an accident? What if they end up being a victim of bullying?

Education is a vital part of life; we all go through it and we’re all incredibly luckily to live in a country where learning and developing is always the top priority. However, it’s normal to be scared and worried. We’re all in this together, right?

Thanks to The Diana Award’s #Back2School Anti-Bullying Campaign, we’ve been able to help you all prepare for that first emotional goodbye at the school gates by sharing their amazing top tips for preparing your child for the first day of the rest of their lives…

Talk things through

Talk to your child about school in the run up to the start of term, discuss opportunities, what you did at school (back in the old days) and all the fun things that are in store.

You don’t want them to constantly be thinking about starting school, but it’s important that they take enough time to think it through.

This will allow them to voice any concerns to you before the day and give you time to find solutions together and reassure them. You may find it helpful to read books which talk about starting school, or ask them questions such as 'what are you most looking forward to?', 'what do you think school will be like?', 'are you worried about anything?'.

Play dress up

Try on the school uniform well ahead of the start of term to give them enough time to feel comfortable wearing it and to make any necessary adjustments.

Feel free to be silly and dress up with them. However, it could also be a good times to teach them about the importance of uniform! They're never too young...

Practice routines

The more you can familiarise your child with their school and routine, the easier the start of term will be. Practise their school routine with them, including the morning routine and the journey to and from school.

You could do this by 'playing school' with family members. Look at the school website or brochure together, including showing them a picture of their teacher. If possible, it may also be useful to visit and walk round the school so they are familiar with the grounds...

Fun! Fun! Fun!

Do fun activities together which help prepare them for school.

Allow them to get creative, help them practice spelling their name, handwriting, counting and even practicing follow instructions from a teacher.

Help them socialise

Help them develop their social skills and friendships as much as you can, they'll thank you later!

Over the Summer invite children over that you know are going to your child’s school. You may find it useful (for you and them), to arrange to meet someone they are familiar with before on the morning of the first day of school so they can go in together.

Get involved with the #Back2School Anti Bullying Campaign by sharing your stories, purchasing snazzy wristbands and by becoming an Anti-Bullying Ambassador. Find out more about their amazing campaign right here.

Are you little ones about to start primary school? Share all your thoughts and worries with us on Facebook and Twitter (@CloserOnline).