Families For Life | 5 things to do before your child's first day of school

The first day of school—whether it’s preschool or primary school—marks the beginning of a new chapter: new classmates, teachers, and routines. While this can be an exciting adventure, it might feel overwhelming for some children. To help your child adapt more smoothly to their new environment, try these 5 tips!

Build your child’s confidence

Rather than diving headfirst into uncharted territory, help your child know what to expect. Talk to them about school and what will happen on the first day. It’s also helpful to walk them through their new routine or timetable. Alleviate their worries by patiently answering any questions they may have.

If your child is attending a new school, visit it before the first day to familiarise them with the environment. This can go a long way in easing first-day jitters!

Ease into the transition

Do you foresee a hectic morning on the first day of school, trying to wake your unwilling child while preparing their things? To avoid this, start at least a week before school begins by adjusting your child’s sleep schedule to match school timings. Encourage them to follow a similar routine to what they’ll experience at school—lunch, nap, or reading time—so it feels more familiar when school starts.

Get your child excited

Starting school doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom, especially with the right motivation. Help your child see this as a positive change by involving them in the preparation process. Take them along when shopping for new books, uniforms, and stationery, and encourage them to help pack their school bag too!

While they may not have a choice about attending school, they can still make decisions about things like their shoes or bag. It’s important to give them these choices to give them a sense of control and build excitement about starting school.

Be present

Physically and emotionally. No matter how much preparation has gone into this, your presence on the first day is invaluable. Help your child settle in by walking them to the classroom or school gate. Reassure them by letting them know when you’ll be back to pick them up. Your presence can provide the comfort and confidence they need to tackle their first day.

Continue supporting them

If your child still struggles to adjust, try calming them by packing a special treat or planning a fun after-school activity. These small gestures give them something to look forward to and make the transition feel less intimidating.

Additionally, maintain open communication by asking about their day and actively listening to their feelings. Reassure them that it’s normal to take time to adjust and celebrate small victories to build their confidence. With patience and support, they’ll find their rhythm in no time