A note to the uninitiated: Aunty Aidan is Aidan Montessori School's cheeky advice columnist. Have you got a question for her next column? Please email the grande dame herself - she's always happy to help.

Dear Aunty Aidan,

How do I balance the excitement and anxiety that the new school year brings?

- Not a Seal

Dear Not a Seal,

What a dichotomy of emotions is felt by all of us as school starts anew!

This beginning might include a new school, new teacher, new friends, new class for him and maybe a new schedule, new job, or new baby for you. First, rest assured: you made a brilliant decision to enroll your child at Aidan Montessori School because a cornerstone of our mission is to build community and to celebrate each individual in it; such is our welcoming mindset.

Help your child (ahem, and you) by talking about what to expect, asking what might be worrisome, and reminding your child that you have confidence in him. Whatever you do, don't hand over your suitcase full of bad memories. Instead of moaning about how much you'll miss him, tell him that you can't wait to talk to him later about his day.

Chin up - and maybe with practice, you can imitate that amazing ball-balancing seal!

Aunty Aidan