The days leading up to school are an excellent time to go on a walk to take a look at your child’s school. Meeting your child’s teacher in advance is helpful if it’s possible. If you are lucky enough to have the class information before school starts, this is also a great time to have a playdate with a future classmate. Seeing a familiar face is always comforting when starting at a new school.

We all need our zzzz’s.

It’s so important for children to get plenty of rest to be their best at school. Starting a healthy “early to bed” school routine is vital for young, growing minds. If there is time, try to start this routine well before the night before their first day.

Food for thought.

Wake up early, have a healthy, protein rich breakfast with your child every day. 

Breakfast really is the most important meal. Picky eaters? Brainstorm a list of healthy, acceptable, go-to breakfasts that you all agree on and then stock up on the necessary ingredients. 

Involving kids in what goes into their lunch boxes helps them to actually eat what is packed for lunch. Load up on the fruits and veggies and proteins and don’t forget to add extra snacks for the after school munchies!

The big first day.

On your child’s first day of school, try to get to school a little early to take in the scenery and have time to talk a little about what school will be like or maybe meet a new friend outside waiting for class to start. Greet the front desk or other people that work in the school. This will help your child feel comfortable in her/his new school community.

Make memories.

Take lots of pictures for the memory books. It’s a very special day! Kids will cherish looking back at a collection of all of their first day of school photos.

For the littlest learners.

For young children, read a picture book together that addresses going to school and separation at school, during the days or weeks leading up to school. 

A few good ones are:

Owl Babies 

The Kissing Hand

Llama, Llama Misses Mama 

For young children who are new to separating, bring a security object or lovey to school in a little backpack. It can help teachers soothe your child if they are sad. 

Always reassure your child that you or your caregiver will be waiting for them at the end of the day. You can say something like, “I’ll see you after the goodbye song”.

Staying organized is key!

Create a shared family calendar for the new school year. Do you ever feel your kids are busier than you are? Try to keep everyone’s schedules in one place. Dry erase calendars are a helpful tool that can keep everyone’s schedule in one place. Write in a different color marker for each child’s activities. For families with older children, create an electronic calendar that everyone can easily access. There are many calendar apps available that can be shared with everyone in the family. The sooner kids can keep track of their own schedules, the better. Have a family back-to-school meeting to go over the schedule for the new school year. Kids will learn it quicker than you think!

Need a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning?

Prepare for the next school day the night before. Pack lunches, drinks, snacks, instruments, sports dance bags, etc the night before they are needed. Involve your children in this process if they are old enough to help. This will make mornings less hectic so everyone is ready to go!

We all need a quiet space.

Down time.

Cheers to a great school year!