The first day of school is a big milestone, for kids and parents alike. For many little ones, it’s also a source of anxiety, filled with questions about new faces, routines, and challenges. As a parent, your support can make all the difference in turning nervous energy into excitement.
There are tips to help ease first-day jitters and empower your child to walk into the classroom with confidence and a smile. Let’s make this transition smooth, joyful, and stress-free.
According to the Parents publication, at around 8 months, children develop separation anxiety, causing screams and crying when their primary caregiver is absent.
This anxiety is said to coincide with object permanence, and because they lack a sense of time, “They don’t understand whether you’ll be gone for an hour or two days. Therefore they start calling up mental pictures of you when you aren’t there—and they miss your warmth, comfort, and familiarity.”
This is said to also happen when they start school. Therefore the above source suggests that preparing your child for preschool involves taking them on a tour, discussing their new routine, arranging playdates, and role-playing at home. Children are said to struggle with social situations sometimes, so consider using puppets or dolls to act out anxious situations.
The mentioned source also states that on the first day, stay for a few minutes to help them feel settled and give them a memento to remember you, and if the issue is serious, speak privately with the teacher.
Calm adds to state that to help your child manage anxiety, create a safe space for them to express their worries and listen without judgment. Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that it’s normal to feel nervous, the publication adds.
It is further suggested that you familiarise the child with the school before the open date, practice relaxation techniques, and set realistic expectations. “If possible, take your child on a tour of the school before their first day back. Meeting their teacher, and seeing the classrooms, cafeteria, and playground can make the environment feel more familiar and less daunting.”
Also see: Benefits of forest schools for kids’ mental health
