How to Face the First Day of School: Practical Tips for Parents and Children

September is approaching, and with it, the start of school. For many children, it also represents the first separation from mum and dad, a moment that can be very delicate. In this article, we aim to help parents face this transition by providing practical and reassuring advice to prepare the child for preschool and ensure the smoothest possible start at school.

1. Prepare the Child for the Start of Preschool

To make the preschool experience positive, it is important to make the school a safe and familiar place in the child’s mind. Talk about school in a positive way, perhaps sharing happy memories from your own early school years. Another useful step is to visit the preschool before the school year begins, so it becomes a familiar and concrete environment where the staff will care for your child..

2. Create a Reassuring Routine for the First Day of School

Children gain security from repeated gestures and situations, which provide consistency and certainty. Establishing a morning routine that is always the same and easy to follow can be very helpful. Even better if it includes pleasant moments, such as having breakfast together, a big hug before parting, or waking up with a gentle tickle.

It is also important to create a small “goodbye ritual” that can be repeated every morning: it can be a simple phrase, a secret greeting, or a kiss on the forehead. The key is that the child has a small gesture to look forward to as a final morning farewell before the school day begins.

3. Manage Separation Anxiety

Even with routines in place, a child may still feel anxious about separation and be reluctant to go to preschool. In this case, it is crucial to listen and reassure the child. Strong emotions are normal in these big moments. Remind the child that mum and dad will always be there and will be waiting outside the school at the end of the day.

It is also helpful to talk about fun activities that await them after school, creating a predictable afternoon routine that the child can rely on.

A practical tip is to allow the child to bring a comfort object, such as a toy, teddy bear, or blanket, that reminds them of home and parents and can be held during moments of anxiety.

4. Collaborate with Preschool Staff

The start of preschool can also be challenging for some parents, who see their children leaving the nest for the first time. Remember that you are not alone in this adventure: preschool educators are valuable allies, and keeping open communication to discuss any concerns or needs is essential.

It is also helpful to participate in meetings and activities organised by the staff to better understand the environment and the people who will care for your child.

Practical Tips for the First Day and the First Weeks

The first day of preschool has arrived, and we are preparing the child to face the day without mum and dad, in a new place with many different people.

• Clothing: Choose comfortable and simple clothes to allow the child to move and play freely.

• Packing the backpack together: Explain step by step what the child will take and why.

• Praise small successes: Highlight how proud you are and the new things the child will learn.

• Be patient: Remember that adapting to school life takes time; every child has individual needs that require understanding and support.

Adaptation may not be immediate, but soon the child will make friends, and the fears of the first days will become a memory. With a little understanding and these small measures, starting preschool will be a breeze. If additional support is needed, books can help.

• Step by Step. I Go to School is a charming board book full of ideas to prepare your child for preschool. With its sweet illustrations, it can help address fears and uncertainties in this new chapter of life.

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