Tips To Help Your Child Start School For The First Time

Starting school for the first time can spark excitement and apprehension for children. Fear of the unknown is the greatest source of anxiety for kids starting preschool, VPK, and kindergarten. However, you can ease their first-week jitters and empower them to thrive at school. Use these tips to make the transition easier for your child and you.

1. Walk them through their new routine.

Starting school is a big change to a kid’s daily routine. In a study on young children’s transition to school, the researchers discovered that uncertainty about their new teacher, where they would put their things, and what they would do at school were sources of anxiety. You can bring your kid peace of mind by talking them through their new routine. Start by letting them know who will be dropping them off and picking them up. Then, take advantage of a school visit or meet-the-teacher event to introduce them to their teacher, walk around the classroom and learn what their daily routine will look like.

2. Take them shopping for school supplies.

A great way to increase your child’s excitement for school is to take them with you to pick out school supplies. The lack of control children have over their lives and environment is often a source of conflict and anxiety. Allowing them to pick out a backpack, pencil case, or other school supplies is an opportunity to give them some control and something to look forward to. If you’ve already ordered your school supplies online or picked them up alone, you could let your child pick out a new pair of school shoes or a first-day of school outfit instead.

3. Prepare ahead for their first day.

Before your usual bedtime routine, ask them to help you prepare for their first day of school. You can use this time to lay out their outfit, pack their snack or lunch, and put their backpack by the door. This will give you quality time together to answer any of their last-minute questions. Planning ahead like this will also make their first morning easier. With everything laid out and ready to go, you will have more time for breakfast and to manage a meltdown in the morning.

4. Plan to walk them to class the first day (if allowed).

Dropping off your preschooler or kindergartener on their first day can be emotional for you and them. It’s a good idea to plan for a longer drop-off time. If the school allows you to walk them to class, take advantage of the opportunity! You are a source of safety and security for your child. Walking them to class can provide them with much-needed comfort.

Once they are in their class, be sure to give them a warm embrace and say goodbye before you leave. It’s best not to sneak out. Sneaking out can make your child feel abandoned and increase their anxiety. If they are really struggling, it may help to walk them to their seat and remind them who will be picking them up after school. Your child’s teacher will most likely step in to assist you if they have trouble letting go.

5. Don’t overschedule yourself or your child.

We recommend waiting until you and your child have adjusted to your new schedule before filling up your calendar. Many parents are eager to take on new projects and sign their kids up for extracurricular activities at the beginning of the school year. Kids often need more downtime during the first weeks of school as they adjust. You may even need a while to get used to your new routine. It’s wise to wait a couple of weeks before ramping up your obligations.

6. Get involved in the school community.

Making meaningful connections in their school community provides you and them with support. If you don’t have time to join the PTA, don’t worry! You can make connections by chatting with other caregivers during drop-off or pick-up or scheduling play dates for your child with their classmates. If their school hosts get-together, take advantage of these opportunities to meet other parents.

We hope that these tips help make your child’s transition to preschool, VPK, or kindergarten easier. If your little one isn’t enrolled yet, reach out to us! Fall enrollment for preschool and VPK is still open at Kids’ R Kids Avalon Park. Contact us today to schedule a tour or enroll!