Starting school can be an exciting milestone, but for many children, it also comes with a case of the first-day jitters. As a parent or family member, you can ease their worries and set them up for a confident, positive start. Here are six simple strategies to make your child feel more comfortable and ready for the big day.
Prepare in advance
Helping your child get familiar with the idea of school before the first day can make a big difference. Reading books about school is a great way to start conversations, address fears, and show them what to expect. You can also rehearse the morning routine together a few times, from waking up and getting dressed to having breakfast and heading out the door. A visual schedule or checklist can show your child what will happen next, giving them a greater sense of control and readiness.
Pack something for comfort
A small comfort item can help ease separation anxiety and offer reassurance during the school day. Slip a handwritten note into their lunchbox or backpack, or let them bring a small trinket or keychain to hold if they start feeling nervous.
Encourage independence
Giving your child small responsibilities at home can boost their confidence in the classroom. Invite them to pack their lunch, choose their first-day outfit, or gather supplies they’ll need. These little acts of independence allow them to feel capable and prepared for new routines.
Teacher-parent communication
Strong communication between you and your child’s teacher can help make the transition smoother. If you have concerns about your child’s anxiety, let the teacher know ahead of time so they can offer extra support. After the first day, check in with the teacher or ask your child how things went so you can address any issues quickly and keep the lines of communication open.
Attend back to school events
Take advantage of meet-the-teacher days, open houses, or orientation events. Visiting the classroom, seeing where they’ll store their belongings, and finding important places like the bathroom or cafeteria can help reduce first-day nerves. Meeting their teacher ahead of time also creates a familiar, friendly face for that first-morning drop-off.
Check in on their feelings
Take a few minutes each day to ask your child how they’re feeling. Talking about emotions helps kids feel understood and supported, and it gives you a chance to address any worries early on. Social-emotional worksheets like Emotions in Art and Understanding Feelings can be a fun way for children to identify and express their emotions while building self-awareness.
Looking for more social-emotional resources? Check out the Education.com Learning Library of more than 500 worksheets, activities, and lesson plans!