Whether your child is starting school for the first time or returning after a summer break, the start of the school year brings a great deal of excitement, together with some anxiety and stress. 

A little planning and preparation can ease much of the uncertainty and help to make the first day an enjoyable experience for everyone. 

Starting school for the first time

You may have conflicting emotions about your child starting school. While it’s a proud moment and a real milestone in your child’s development, you may be anxious about how he or she may cope, and perhaps subconsciously afraid that this means you are losing your baby. 

Accept that these feelings are natural and realize that your child’s feelings are probably very similar to your own. Your child is undoubtedly excited and proud about starting school, but is likely also nervous and unsure. 

Here are some tips to prepare your child for his or her first day:

• Talk about your child’s feelings and acknowledge those feelings. Reassure your child by focusing on their strengths that will help them to feel more positive about going off to school.

• Explain that there will always be someone around to help if the child is unsure where to go or what to do. Tell your child that it isn’t babyish to ask for help—it’s the smart thing to do.

• Take your child to visit the school and, if possible, the new teacher and classroom. Show your child where to hang his or her jacket. Visit the washroom. Check out where they eat lunch. Walk through the schoolyard and talk about recess.

• If possible, introduce your child to one or more of the other children who will be starting at the school. Invite them over to play, and get to know their parents.

• Walk your child to school for at least the first few days or weeks, until your child feels secure. Don’t hang around if your child begins to cry. Children usually settle down fast once their parents are out of sight. If it’s possible and the school is willing, you could consider spending some time in the class for the first day.

• Ensure your child always walks home with a buddy if you or a caregiver is not available.

Preparing to return to school

Even children who have been at school for years, may feel a little anxious about the return to a new classroom and a new teacher. Encourage them to talk about their feelings, and reassure them that they will do just fine.

• Begin easing into the school routine at least a week before school starts. Your child may have been going to sleep later and waking later. Gradually ease back into school bedtimes and breakfast times.

• Treat the return to school as a positive and exciting experience. Help your child to organize the bedroom to make it easy to find school clothes or do homework.

• Make a special day out of buying school supplies and clothes. Have lunch out in the middle of your day and use the time to talk about school fears and ambitions.

• Encourage your child to begin study time again, prior to the return to school, and regular homework. Your child might want you to help review things previously learned or work ahead in an unfinished workbook. Alternatively, encourage general quiet reading or writing.

• Walk the route to school with younger children before the first day back. If possible, visit the new classroom and new teacher.

• Review street-proofing tips with your child before school starts. If your child is going to walk to and from school without a caregiver, remind him or her to always walk with a buddy.