08/19/2025
5 Tips for Starting the School Year Right
The start of a new school year is always an emotional mix of excitement, nerves, and anticipation for both children and parents. Kids may be thrilled to see classmates they haven’t seen all summer, while at the same time worrying about who they’ll sit with at lunch or whether they’ll make a new friend. Parents, too, feel eager to support but may not always know the most effective way to prepare their child emotionally. The good news is that with a few intentional practices, you can help your child step into the new year feeling more confident, supported, and ready for success.
The first and most important step is to normalize the wide range of emotions your child might feel. Joy, excitement, nervousness, or even dread are all common responses to the first day of school. Some children may bounce out of bed eager to reconnect with friends, while others may wake up with knots in their stomachs. By letting your child know that these feelings are natural, you take away some of the pressure they may put on themselves. Share stories from your own school days—times when you were nervous or unsure, and how you got through it. Children feel comforted when they know they are not alone in their experience, and hearing that their parent also had butterflies on the first day helps them see that emotions are both normal and manageable.
Beyond normalizing feelings, you can also help by rehearsing connection strategies at home. The social aspect of school is often just as important as the academic one, and many children worry about fitting in or making friends. Practicing small interactions before the first day can give them confidence when the real moment arrives. For example, encourage your child to think about how they might greet a friend they haven’t seen all summer—perhaps with a high-five or a silly handshake. Talk through easy conversation starters like, “What did you do this summer?” or “Do you want to play at recess?” For shy children, even something as simple as practicing a wave and a smile can reduce anxiety. If your child is worried about lunchtime, role-play how they might invite someone to sit with them or ask to join a group. These small rehearsals can turn what feels like a daunting social moment into an opportunity for connection.
Another key way to reduce stress is by establishing a calm morning routine. The way the first day begins often sets the tone for everything that follows. Rushed mornings filled with forgotten items and last-minute arguments can leave a child tense before they even reach the classroom. Instead, prepare as much as possible the night before: lay out clothes, pack the backpack, and set aside any forms or supplies. In the morning, aim to keep the atmosphere relaxed with a healthy breakfast, gentle reminders, and even a little humor or music to start the day on a positive note. For children prone to worry, a calming phrase such as “I’ve got this” can be repeated like a mantra as they get ready. This type of routine provides both predictability and stability, reducing the chances that nerves will spiral out of control.
Creating rituals of belonging is another powerful tool. Children thrive when they feel connected to both family and peers, especially during times of transition. A small goodbye ritual—two hugs and a wave, a secret handshake, or a whispered phrase at drop-off—can give your child an extra layer of reassurance as they step into their classroom. Some parents pack a special token in their child’s backpack, like a bracelet, a keychain, or a sticky note with an encouraging message. These little gestures provide a tangible reminder that they are loved and supported, even when apart. Beyond family rituals, you can also talk with your child about ways to signal openness to peers, such as wearing something that reflects their interests—a favorite sports bracelet or a fun pin—that makes it easier for others to start conversations. These acts of belonging can transform the first day from intimidating to inviting.
Finally, once the day is over, it’s important to take time to reflect and celebrate. Children often need help processing their experiences, and the way you engage with them at home reinforces resilience. Instead of the usual “How was school?”—which usually prompts little more than a shrug—ask open-ended questions such as, “What was your favorite part of the day?” or “Who did you spend time with at lunch?” Listen closely to both the highs and the lows, and celebrate their efforts as much as their successes. Maybe they were brave enough to introduce themselves to someone new, or maybe they pushed through the nerves of sitting in a different spot. Marking the end of the first day with a small celebration—whether a favorite snack, a bike ride, or simply extra family time—helps your child associate school with positivity. This kind of reflection and recognition makes them more likely to approach future school days with confidence and optimism.
In the end, starting the school year right isn’t about perfect supplies or polished routines; it’s about emotional connection. Children want to feel seen, supported, and capable of handling the ups and downs of school life. By normalizing their feelings, practicing connection strategies, establishing calm routines, creating rituals of belonging, and reflecting together after the first day, you give your child the tools they need to thrive. These practices remind them that while the school year may bring challenges, they have the strength—and your support—to face them. When a child knows they’re not alone in the journey, they step into the school year not just ready to learn, but ready to grow.
