If you've got a child starting school for the first time in the coming months, it's always a good idea to do some prep ahead of time, especially if you think there might be some anxiety.
Certainly you can do site visits and read books, but one of the best ways to help your child adjust to the idea of school and the school bus is through imaginative play. That's why I like Weebles on the Bus (compare prices), a simple playset from Playskool.
The set comes with two rolly, polly Weebles and a big yellow bus. While it's not specifically a school bus, the implication is certainly there. Through play, you and your child can imagine what it will be like when he rides the bus to school -- making new friends, meeting the bus driver, getting on and off the bus safely and knowing how to behave. While your child might not directly tell you about any concerns he's having about starting school, it's possible that they may come out while he plays, so pay attention to his words and actions.
The Weebles on the Bus playset is great for kids ages 12 months and up and retails for about $18.
How did you prepare your child for starting school?
Image: Playskool/PriceGrabber