There are a variety of ways, however, to give comfort and courage to little ones facing the brave new world of school. The transition from home to classroom can be eased considerably if parents do a bit of homework themselves.

Dr. Lorraine Innes, a Katonah resident and psychiatrist with practices there, Bedford and Manhattan, said there are now more alternatives for coping with school anxiety than there were for the "baby boomer" generation.

"One of the things that makes it easier for many kids facing that first year of school is that so many more of them have been to preschool," Innes said. "This has introduced them to the idea of being away from home and being with their peers."

Schools are also more sensitive now to the needs of the children and their parents, she said.

"For instance, some schools in our area will let the parents come to the classroom and stay with their children for a while, so the transition is a bit more seamless."

Innes added that there are also counselors available in the schools to talk with youngsters who are having difficulty making the transition.

Innes warned about separation anxiety on the part of the parents.

"Parents have separation issues too," she said. "Grown-ups need to know when they're transmitting anxiety to their children, because they (the parents) are upset about this new stage in their lives.

"If you're a parent who is upset about your little one going off to the world of school," Innes continued, "it's OK to talk to somebody, even someone professional, if it's bothering you more than casually."

Gretchen Menzies of Bedford Corners, the mother of two small children, one of whom is about to start kindergarten, is the founder of Essentialmom.com, a Web site with information for local families. Menzies is familiar with that imposing first day of school.

"My son is 5 and is mostly very excited about starting kindergarten," she said. "I think because he's very into the idea that he's going to be learning new things. He's actually thrilled about the educational part of school."

Menzies recommended parents try and set up play dates with their children's classmates to get to know each other before that first day of school. She also suggested that parents should not overdo talking to their children about this new experience.

"If your child senses you're going on too much about it, that will make it seem like you're anxious," she said. "That anxiety will be communicated unconsciously."

If parents make the preschool process fun, that will ease the transition for everyone, said Menzies.

"Focus on things that make it all sound like an exciting new adventure," she said. "That certainly can mean getting your kids new outfits. Buying them a cool new backpack. Anything that's new and they like, will have them thinking that school must be good, if you're getting fun new things in order to attend."

Finally, Menzies said, think about your child's strengths and weaknesses. If they are very social, tell them there will be lots of new children to meet. If they are not so comfortable about new people, don't stress this point.

Susan Zangler of Second Story Books in Chappaqua said there are some key children's books designed to help ease that beginning-of-school anxiety.

"The 'Arthur' books (by Dan Brown) are very good for that sort of thing," Zangler said. "Particularly, 'Arthur's Off To School,' which is aimed at kindergarteners." Zangler also suggested "First Day of School" by Margaret McNamara.

"These are good for parents and children to read together," Zangler said.

Menzies recommended "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn, the story of a little raccoon going off to school for the first time. His mother kisses his hand before he goes, which he finds very comforting.

"Also, Katie Davis' 'Kindergarten Rocks' is lots of fun," Menzies said. "It shows that first year of school in a very good light. That's the most important thing."