Back to School Tips and Tricks
Starting a new school year can be a time of excitement, but it can also bring about feelings of nervousness and uncertainty for both parents and children. Here are some gentle, supportive strategies to help your child transition smoothly into this new chapter.
Consistent routines
Routines are important in helping children feel secure also for building habits like time management. By establishing a consistent morning routine, you’re not only setting your child up for a successful school day, but you’re also reinforcing their trust in you and their teachers.
Refer to the child’s school and teacher in conversation
Children are incredibly perceptive and often pick up on how their parents feel about their surroundings. One simple yet powerful way to help your child feel secure is by speaking positively about their school and teachers. For example, a parent could say, “I heard that Mr./ Ms. Smith enjoys animals, just like we do! I wonder what their favorite animal is?” This kind of conversation subtly reassures your child that you trust and like their teacher, which can make them feel safer and more comfortable in their new environment.
Morning schedule with visuals
Children love to visualize their day and just like adults, children feel more at ease when they have a sense of what’s coming next. Create a schedule of the day with 3×5 cards. Put them in a place at eye level for your child. They can review their schedule for the day. You can draw the event or ask them to draw it:
Example: wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, put on shoes
Consistency is key—keeping the morning routine the same each day helps your child feel more comfortable and builds their confidence as they learn to manage their time and tasks independently.
Goodbye ritual
Mornings can be hectic, but adding a touch of fun can make a world of difference. Whether it’s singing a favorite song together, doing a silly dance, or sharing a special handshake, a fun morning ritual can create a strong, positive connection before the day begins. This small act can help reduce the stress of saying goodbye, leaving your child with a smile as they start their day. Practice this routine prior to the first day of school.
Practice at home and make it playful!
Practice makes perfect so– practice dropping your child off at school. Pretend their room is the school and pretend a stuffed animal is their teacher. Practice your goodbye ritual together. Research shows that it can take eight to 15 exposures to something new before a child accepts it. It’s common for parents to give up after just a few attempts, but persistence often pays off.
Have short and confident goodbyes
Leaving your child at school for the first time can be an emotional moment for parents and children, but it’s important to keep goodbyes short and sweet. When you say goodbye, be calm, smile, and say something like, “I love you. I know you love me. You’ll be safe, and I’ll see you at 5:30.” This brief, confident goodbye reassures your child that everything will be okay, helping them to settle in more quickly. This is not a time to ask your child if they are ok– you trust they are ok. If they cry and reach for you. Respond with a smile and say, “you are safe here and I love you.”
And don’t forget, telling them that you know they love you can be especially comforting. Many children worry about not having said “I love you” to their parents, and this little addition can ease their minds.
Starting school is a big step, but with these thoughtful and supportive strategies, parents can help their child feel confident and ready to thrive. Remember, it’s all about creating a positive, reassuring environment where the child knows they are loved and supported every step of the way.
