The “Before” Stage
5 Essential Tips to Prepare Your Child for a New School
Is your child starting toddler, preschool, or kindergarten? Ease first-day jitters with five tips for a smooth, confident transition to a new school.
Starting a new school is a huge milestone for your child and for you! The mix of excitement and nerves is completely normal. Whether your little one is heading to a toddler group, preschool, or kindergarten, those first few days can feel overwhelming.
The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. By setting the stage beforehand, you can help make this transition a smoother, more positive experience for everyone. Here are five gentle steps to prepare your child for their big first day.
1. Talk About the New School in Advance
About two weeks before school starts, begin talking about school in an upbeat and reassuring way. Avoid building it up into something huge; instead, weave it into your daily conversations.
- What to do: Say things like, “Soon you’ll be going to your new school! You’ll get to play with new toys and meet new friends.” Show them any photos or videos you have from the school, or explore the school’s website or instagram page together. This helps make the unknown feel a little more familiar.
2. Visit the School and Classroom Together
Familiarity is a powerful antidote to anxiety. If the school offers an orientation or a brief tour, make every effort to go. Walking through the halls, seeing the classroom, and maybe even meeting a teacher with you by their side can demystify the experience. This simple visit helps your child build a mental map and feel more at ease on their first day.
You can also spend the two weeks leading up to school taking your morning route to the front doors, start your school routine before school starts.
3. Read Books About Starting School
Stories are a wonderful tool for processing big feelings. Reading books about starting school helps your child visualize what to expect and see that other characters (even little llamas!) share their feelings.
- Book Recommendations: Classics like Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney or The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn are perfect for opening up conversations about separation anxiety and the excitement of school.
4. Normalize the Day: Share Your Day Plan Too
Help your child understand that everyone has a place to be during the day. This normalizes the separation and reinforces your connection.
- What to say: Try a simple phrase like, “In the morning, Mommy goes to her work, and you get to go to your school. Then we both come home to have dinner together!” This frames school as a regular part of the family’s routine.
5. Create Space to Talk About Feelings
Invite your child to share their thoughts without pressure. Instead of asking leading questions like, “Are you nervous?” try open-ended prompts like, “How are you feeling about your new school?” Let them know that whatever they feel: excited, scared, or a little bit of both—is okay and perfectly normal. Validating their emotions builds trust and emotional intelligence.
By taking these steps, you’re not just preparing your child for a building; you’re giving them the confidence and security they need to embrace a new and exciting chapter.