Tips to Help Toddlers When Older Siblings Go Back to School

School is back in session, and some parents face the challenge of dealing with toddlers who stay home while their older siblings go off. It’s normal for young children to want to emulate their older brothers or sisters, so there may be some anxiety when one gets what they perceive as left behind. Here are some great ideas for helping young children cope when their older siblings return to school.

Give Your Toddler School Days

It’s normal for a toddler to be a little jealous that their older brother or sister gets to go off to school while they have to stay home, but you can alleviate this by having school days at home with your younger child. Playing school can help your toddler still feel connected to their older sibling while giving them a head start on their educational journey.

Involve Younger Children In Back To School Prep

An excellent way to soften the blow for young children as their older siblings prepare to go to school is to involve them in all the preparations for the new school year. Whether it’s shopping for back-to-school supplies, preparing afternoon school lunches or snacks, or getting them into the same morning routine as their older siblings, making them feel like they’re part of the process helps ease them into the transition.

Sign Them Up For a Class or Activity

Just because their big brother or sister is off to school doesn’t mean your toddler has to sit around all day waiting for them to return. You can make them feel just as special as their older siblings by enrolling them in a free class or activity, like reading, crafts, or gym time. Enrolling your toddler in a fun activity makes them feel special too and encourages learning, which prepares them for when it’s their turn to go into the classroom.

Schedule Family Fun Days

When siblings are close, being separated can be frustrating. One way to keep the bonds strong between brothers and sisters is to schedule a family fun day where the kids can hang out together as they did during summer. Fall offers excellent outings for families, including apple picking, hiking, visiting museums, or chilling at the library. If the weather isn’t cooperating, you can have a family fun day at home, like playing hide and seek, participating in an indoor scavenger hunt, putting together puzzles, or having family workout time.

Give Them a Job

Now that your older child is responsible for going to school, you can instill that sense in your toddler by giving them a job, so to speak. Whether it’s helping you prepare breakfast, cleaning, or getting the older child ready for school, children love being involved, and it gives them a sense of pride and belonging.

Schedule Play Dates

You can help your child adjust to watching their older sibling return to school by scheduling play dates with other children in the same situation. This lets them see that they’re not alone, allows them to have some fun, and can give you a break for a few hours.

Get Involved in School Activities

Most schools have volunteer work opportunities, which is an excellent idea for you and your toddler to participate in. Helping out at the same school their big brother or sister goes to can help your young child feel more connected and get them excited for their first day of school.

Ease the Sad Thoughts

It’s normal for your younger child to feel sad and lonely when their older sibling goes off to school. However, you can ease their pain by teaching them to turn sad thoughts into happy ones. For example, when your child feels down about missing their big brother or sister, help them to think positively about how soon they’ll be reunited and how fun it will be to tell them about the new craft they made, the new dance move they learned, or the puzzle they put together. It can be exciting for both children to share their daily experiences and help them stay bonded throughout the school year. It’s normal for young children to have different emotions when their older siblings go off to school, but with a little creativity, you can help ease the transition and keep your household happy.

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