HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) -

The start of a new school year can evoke emotions for parents. Whether your children are getting ready for Kindergarten and the 1st grade, or about to enter high school as Freshman.

"There's a little bit of an anxiety, only because you feel it from them because they're anxious to go back to school and the preparation, getting all their school supplies, changing their nap times, changing their meal times," said Karen Miller, the mother of elementary students.

"It's sad. I just said to her the other day I remember her running around with her blanket and her pacifier and her little pigtails and now she's talking about driving a car, going to college," said Amy Queraly, the mother of a High School freshman.

The American Psychological Association refers to these emotions as the back-to-school blues. It's the fear of the unknown both as a parent and as a child.

"Going back to school it's a change. And for children in particular school is going to be challenging, both socially and cognitively, or intellectually, and whenever face challenges it can be make people nervous," said Andrew Terranova, an Assistant Psychology Professor at Coastal Carolina University.

There are several ways to make the transition smoother. The APA said if a child is going to a new school, walk them through the building so they become familiar with their surroundings.

"2 weeks before school starts we start cutting down there bedtimes to earlier times," said Miller.

That's another suggestion. The APA said try to get into the school routine a few days before school starts. And Terranova said be honest with your kids.

"You want to be genuine with your children. They're going to pick up on your lead," said Terranova.

All advice that might make the wave goodbye on the first day of school a little bit easier for both parents and students.