Many parents are starting to enroll their children in classes for social skills because they believe screen addictions cause them to lack the communication and social skills necessary to begin kindergarten. Kimberly O’Brien, a child psychologist with Quirky Kid Clinic, says parents are concerned about the amount of time their kids are spending on the computer, electronic games and TV.

O’Brien says children’s social skills need more work today due to the amount of screen time they spend on their Wii, PSP, X-Box and on the Internet, to name a few. Thankfully, children are so easily adaptable they can be weaned off of such electronics, according to an article on the Daily Telegraph. O’Brien says their clinic has a program for communication and social skills that teaches children how to interact with others by joining groups and learning such basic skills as taking turns.

Experts say it is important to make the transition easier by being prepared for change. Parents need to set certain boundaries to prepare children for school with set bedtimes and limits when it comes to electronics and screen time. As both children and parents prepare for the school year, there needs to be rules in place with appropriate bedtimes and screen times that limit their exposure. Familiarity is a great way to ward off such fears, especially for those starting kindergarten or changing schools. It’s important to go over routines and practice things such as getting dressed and packing school lunches before the first day comes. It also helps to organize play dates for your children during the summer or over holidays. Be sure to visit the school beforehand so your child is more familiar and knows their way around.

Kids are much more resilient than adults and if you help encourage them and prepare them, you will help to ease some of the unnecessary stress that comes with change.