"Don't Leave Me!" Expert Tips for Dealing with Separation Anxiety

Starting school is a big deal, and your list of worries may outnumber your child's. Will she cooperate at circle time, share the blocks, talk back to the teacher? But scariest of all: How will she handle leaving you? "You can expect a range of reactions," says Parents advisor Robert Pianta, PhD, dean of the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. "On the first day, some kids say 'See ya later' and take off. Others cry, and it could take as long as a month before they feel comfortable at school."

Unfortunately, you can't predict whether your kid will be fine or freaked out, so it's crucial to prepare for both.