A day to remember

Sending her off for her first day

The day your child first heads off to school, you may be dealing with a weepy, emotionally charged self for the rest of the day. This reaction is entirely reasonable: this is a very big step in your small child's life. Making the day extra-special will help you deal with the experience. Your child's first day of school only comes around once. Here's how to mark the occasion.

Gifts
• Give your child something that allows her to "take mommy" with her to school: a photo key chain, a locket or a photo-engraved necklace.
• Tuck a new plush toy under your child's pillow the night before the first day to comfort his fears about the next morning.

Photo opportunities
• Photograph your tot in her first-day togs.
• Make a first-day scrapbook with photos and notes that capture moments -- from picking an outfit to getting off the school bus.

Rituals
• Let your child pick a special first-day breakfast, and get up early enough that the whole family can enjoy it together.
• Have your child write her name (and, if she's able, her thoughts about her first day) and tuck the sheet away until next year's first day.