It only seems a minute ago that they were starting to walk and now your little one will be taking their first steps through the school gates!
If you are feeling anxious about this stage of your child’s life and school starting don’t worry we have lots of advice to help you get organised for that all important first day of school. Follow our guide to preparing your kids for their first day at school before school starts and your child will be on their way to school success!
Practice Getting Dressed
A new uniform can feel strange to a child. After all, they have never worn one before, so it always helps to have a few trial runs putting on their school clothes. This will make the uniform feel familiar, which can be comforting to a child on a day when they will be experiencing many new things. Make sure they can take their own jumper on and off easily and that any new shoes have been worn in a bit so feel comfy. Feeling confident in what they are wearing can help your child with any school anxiety they may be experiencing.
Make Sure You Name Label Everything
As you have probably realised so far when preparing for your child to start school, it is surprising how many different things they need. To reduce the chances of having to buy a new lunch box before the first week is finished, make sure you purchase a variety of name labels not just for clothes, but for items such as their lunch box, water bottle and pencil case.
Join Your Child’s School Year Facebook And WhatsApp Group
Make sure to check with other parents if there has been a social media group set up for your child’s year group where parents can chat and share school tips. If there hasn’t then be sure to create one yourself.
These are so useful for keeping up to date on all the school activities. You don’t want to be the parent that has forgotten World Book Day, when they have P.E or any of the other many events that feature in school calendars! It’s always reassuring to chat with other parents and it can be good for organising after school play dates to help your child make friends and improve social skills.
Start Early Bedtimes Before The Big Day
Make sure the week before your child starts school they get into a good bedtime routine. Calculate the time they should be going to bed to get the rest they need for school days. It’s always hard to get organised after the lazy days and relaxed bedtimes of the Summer holidays, but this should help ensure no late nights and sleepy children on that all important first morning.
Take A Trip To Your Child’s School
It is a good idea to complete the journey to school that you will follow on your child’s first day of school a few days before, whether that is by car or walking. You can check the time it takes and your little one can become familiar with the school grounds and the school environment. This can help the first day feel less daunting for them.
Take Time To Talk About How Your Child Is Feeling
Make time to chat with your child about this exciting step. This can help children transition and process the change in their life. Involve them in any school shopping you need to do so they can have fun choosing their own personal items such as lunchbox and drink bottles.
Explain it is ok to feel nervous and tell them some stories of your own positive experience of Primary School. Kids will be fascinated to hear what mum or dad got up to at school! Check in with them regularly so that they know any worries that they have or symptoms of anxiety you will be there to guide them.
Plan A Quiet Weekend After The First Week
Your child will be tired after all the excitement and new school experiences. Make sure to keep family life calm and activities to a minimum during those early days.
This will make sure your child has adequate down time to adjust to the new school routine and therefore they will find the transition to school easier.
Be Prepared For A Rollercoaster Of Emotions
It can be emotional when your child starts school as you may feel nostalgic for their baby years and feel time has gone too quickly! So make sure to take time for yourself as this is a big change for you as a parent. Maybe treat yourself to some coffee and cake after the first school drop off and take some time to do activities you enjoy.
Feel proud you have reached this major milestone with your child and of your journey together to this important stage in their life.
Will your child be taking a lunch box to school? If you’re looking for inspiration for what to make everyday, you’ll find lots of different ideas in our guide to packed lunches for kids here.
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