4 Tips for a Smooth Back-to-School Morning

The first day of school is often a mix of emotions for everyone involved – from tears to cheers to sighs of relief. There may even be some uncertainty for your little one. Whether it’s the first day of daycare, preschool, or kindergarten, anxious first-day jitters are completely normal. But with a little pre-planning, you can help calm your child’s first-day nerves.

Make the first day back to school a little easier on everyone with these 4 tips for a smooth back-to-school morning.

1. Address Feelings

Talk with your child about the first day. How is she feeling about it? Affirm her feelings with open-ended questions, such as “the first day can feel scary, what it is that worries you?” to continue conversations. Dismissing feelings with statements like, “don’t be silly, you’ll be fine,” can shut down conversation. Children’s books are great tools to help children work through feelings. See below for a list of recommended books on this topic.

2. Get into Good Habits Beforehand 

"Early to bed, early to rise," is an old saying, and these words still hold true today. Start an earlier bedtime a week before school starts to get back into that habit. Have the elements of a healthy breakfast prepared the night before so late mornings don’t translate into hungry tummies at school.

3. Establish a Routine

Mornings can be crazy, and a frazzled morning can lead to grumpy children (and adults). Set up some systems to make your morning flow more easily. Label areas where children should leave their backpacks, shoes, and other needed belongings. Before going to bed, make sure everything makes it to that space. Near the door, post pictures of what your children should have for school and have everyone double-check before walking out. You can also post pictures of what should be in the backpack to lessen the chance of forgetting something important.

4. Say Goodbye

It may be tempting to sneak away while your child is not looking, especially if your child has been upset. But this will lead to your child being more clingy in the future, as he will stay extra close to make sure you don’t disappear. Say goodbye with a quick and firm hug and leave the room. It also isn’t helpful to hang around and say multiple goodbyes. The teacher can help with that transition if needed.

Children who enter school emotionally and physically ready to learn are much more likely to succeed academically. These tips will help your child start with a positive foot forward.

Recommended children’s books for back-to-school: