However we feel about this time of year, these last few days are a time of preparation and maybe a little nervousness. Parents often wonder how they can prepare their children in ways besides buying school supplies — ways that help with making friends, feeling connected and having positive experiences with peers. Here are a few ideas from teachers and parents.

Courage

Beginning something new, such as a new school year, takes some courage. Having courage doesn’t mean that we aren’t scared. It means being scared and doing something anyway. Children can be taught that being courageous means they recognize when an action is right or wrong, even if everyone else is doing it. They don’t stand by and watch when someone needs help. They do what they can to help. They are kind and show others that they care. They keep moving forward, even if it is not easy and all they can do is take one step at a time.

Parents can help foster courage in their kids by leading through example, letting them know it’s OK to be scared or nervous, pointing out examples of courage in others, role-playing different scenarios that would require courage and letting them know there is more than one way to exhibit courage.

Be a friend

Unfortunately, a lot of kids spend much of their time at school alone or keeping to themselves. Sometimes, we want to be alone, and that’s OK. However, showing our kids the importance of reaching out to others can help someone who doesn’t want to be alone.

We don’t have to be best friends with everyone. In fact, a simple “Hello,” “Want to play with us?” or “Come and sit here” can change a person’s entire day and even their entire school year. Teaching kids to watch out for those who may need a friend is an invaluable lesson.

It’s OK to be different

About those kids who are alone: oftentimes this is due to the fact that they are different, in some way, from the majority. Bullying and ostracism often stem from differences. Teaching our children that it’s OK if someone is different from them will help them throughout their lives. In fact, they might feel different themselves. That’s OK.

Exposure to books about diverse characters, meeting people outside of our own neighborhoods and just simply practicing kindness can help our children not only be kind to but also befriend those who may be different from them. Differences in each other actually make life much more interesting.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Sometimes, we, as adults, assume that the kids in our lives know that they can talk to us about anything. But, in truth, they often don’t know where to turn when they are struggling. They may feel embarrassed or afraid or they may not know how to bring up difficult subjects.

Reassuring kids that they can always talk to us or other trusted adults should happen often. Together with our children, we can come up with lists of trusted adults who they can turn to when they are in need. Whether it be help with schoolwork, depression, disturbing thoughts or stressful things going on in their lives, teaching kids to ask for help is another lesson they can always use.

It may even help to role-play asking for help so that when the time comes, it’s not as difficult. Some ways to begin a difficult conversation could be: “Could I talk to you?” “Something has been bothering me.” “This is embarrassing, but I really need to talk about it.” “This may seem weird, but …” Our children need to know they can talk to us no matter what the subject matter is.