Weather you yourself are preparing for a new semester or young ones in your family are headed back to school, today we are sharing tips to reduce anxieties around that and set everyone up for success!
A new school year can bring both excitement and nervousness. New teachers, friends, and routines may feel overwhelming, but preparing ahead can help your child start confidently and smoothly.
Tip #1: Start Routines Early Ease the transition by practicing school routines during the summer: Wake up and get ready at a consistent time. Pick out clothes the night before. Add in learning games, regular mealtimes, and a bedtime routine. Use a visual schedule and give small choices to increase independence.
Tip #2: Visit the School If possible, tour the building before school starts. Meet the teacher and key staff, find important places (bathrooms, nurse, counselor), and review expectations like lining up or carrying a lunch tray. Open houses and private tours can make the environment more familiar.
Tip #3: Create a Social Story Social stories help children know what to expect in their day. Write or use pictures to show steps such as greeting the teacher, getting lunch, or asking for help. Practice behavioral expectations like raising a hand or telling the teacher if they feel unwell. Using real photos of your child’s school can make this more effective.
Tip #4: Check In Regularly Build emotional check-ins into daily routines (after school or dinner). Use tools like a feelings chart or the “Rose, Bud, Thorn” game (best part, what’s next, what was hard). Practice calming skills such as deep breathing, coloring, or sensory play, and model healthy ways to handle mistakes.
With preparation, the new year can be a positive time of growth, helping your child feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.