10 Ways to Prepare for Your Child’s First Day of Primary School.

Feeling a tingle of excitement with a drop of anxiety for your little one’s big day? 

Well, you’re not alone! It’s normal to feel a little nervous about your child’s first day in school, but hopefully, with some preparation and helpful tips, you and your child will be able to navigate this big day with ease! 

Preparing for your little one’s first day can be an adventure for both parents and children. Your child may be extremely excited for their big day; they can’t sleep, they’re jumping for joy, and become a chatterbox incapable of not mentioning school! 

On the other hand, your child may be feeling excited up until the moment they see the school gates. 

Both outcomes are very much normal, here are some tips to prepare you both: 

1. Establish Routine 

Establishing structure and routine will assist your little one in becoming comfortable with school. This can involve setting consistent meal and snack times as well as bedtimes and mornings, having clothes ready, brushing teeth and so on. 

If these simple things can turn into habits, then you’re one step closer to helping your child adapt to school. 

2. School Uniform  

If having a school uniform is necessary – make sure to go uniform shopping at least a month before term starts as stock may run low towards the end of August. (Make it a fun day out with your little one to get them excited for their new start.)  

By starting early, you can swap back sizes in case your child has a growth spurt. 

3. Practice the school run 

Practice the school run before the term begins and point out fun features like the playground and outdoor toys, envision for them how they will be playing outside with all their new friends. 

Practice getting ready, your little one having all their school things and getting out of the house on time.  

4. Visiting the school 

Find out your school’s Open Day schedule and take a tour with your child to become familiar with their new environment and what your child’s day to day will look like. 

Have your child see their classroom, playground, and where they will have school lunches so that they feel better prepared for their new start in school.  

5. Practice school skills 

Take time to go through basic school skills with your little ones that can prepare them for school. Necessities might include tying their shoes, recognising letters and numbers, instruction following, using the loo independently and getting comfortable with holding a pencil. 

This can help your child feel more comfortable in starting their new learning journey and being independent.  

6. Meet the Teacher 

Attend any ‘Meet the Teacher ‘inductions at their new school, if provided, so your little one can become comfortable with their new teacher and classroom routines. 

To build your child’s confidence, speak casually in your day to day about how much fun they will have in school, along with all the activities they will participate in like painting, playing with outdoor toys, learning new songs and how their teacher will be there to support them.  

You can engage further at home with Roleplay and reading books with them.  

7. Label Everything! 

We’ve all heard stories of children coming home with their friend’s cardigan instead of their own. Be sure to label all your child’s uniform, bags, and water bottles. Sew-in or stick-on labels are a great solution. You’ll thank us later! 

8. Create a goodbye ritual! 

Saying goodbye to your little one can be hard for most parents and their children.  

Creating a goodbye ritual, whether it’s a secret handshake or a super tight hug and a bunch of kisses, can help ease the anxiety you may both be feeling. Sometimes with hard moments, it’s good to make them light and fun! 

9. Talk to your child

Yes, this may seem like an obvious choice, but sometimes we forget to ask for our children’s feelings in a certain situation. Comfort your child by letting them know it’s normal to feel nervous before a big day, explain to them a time you’ve been nervous and how you overcame those emotions. 

10. The Playground  

Some children love to get stuck in and play, while others may take their time to socialise. This is completely normal, but if your child is feeling the pressure of being left out at break and lunchtime maybe have a look at any after school clubs you can sign them up for. This is a great way to create more confidence to help your little one make friends. 

Tips to Help Build Confidence

• Encourage your little one to take part in activities with other children and that it’s okay to spend some time on their own if they’re not ready. Children will soon engage with others through their own curiosities or when another child takes that first step or if there is some assistance from a teacher. 
• Suggest for your child to bring a toy or comfort item into school that can be shared with the other children. This helps break the ice and will assist your child in making friends. (Check if your child is allowed to do so, as policies can differ in each school.) 
• Remind your child that all the children will be new to school and that they will be feeling the same as them. If this is now a new year at the same school, there will always be first day nerves, but they will be seeing old friends from last year. 

Remember, starting a new school can be intimidating, however, by preparing and communicating openly you can help ease the transition for your child.

With a positive and fun attitude, this can be an incredibly exciting adventure for a world of new friends and education! 

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