When your child enters kindergarten, he or she may be a little nervous about the first day of "big school." More often than not, parents are the ones who are the most upset when their babies leave the nest for the first year of kindergarten.

Many elementary schools have "boo-hoo breakfasts" to help parents cope with their child's first day of kindergarten. Experts say parents should get used to being apart from their children by getting them involved in play groups, sending them to Sunday school or mini-camps during the summer.

The following tips may help you and your child prepare for the inevitable first day of kindergarten, which will happen before you know it:

• Take your child to supervised library storytelling hour or playtime at the recreation center. Make a point to let your child play on his or her own instead of hovering.
• Help your child get used to the idea of a schedule by creating one at home that includes naptime, snack time, playtime and reading or academic time.
• Take your child with you for back-to-school shopping and let him or her pick out some favorite items for kindergarten.
• Go to open house at the school with your child and take advantage of tours offered.
• Don't criticize your preschooler when he or she makes mistakes. Say to your child, "It's OK to make mistakes as long as you learn from them."