From Summer Vibes to School Days: Tips for a peaceful transition.
That time is rapidly approaching, when we trade sunscreen for school supplies. Getting a head start and making this transition gradual can help get your kids off to a peaceful start.
Shifting from summer to school routines
A good time to start these shifts is about two weeks before school starts.
Summer vibe: Late Bedtimes and Laidback Mornings.
Transition Tip: Start moving your child’s bedtime up 10-15 minutes every few nights. Do the same for wake up times if they’ve been sleeping in, start waking them a little earlier every couple of days until they are back to their normal routine. This will help gently guide their bodies back to their school rhythm.
Summer vibe: Ample screen time
Transition Tip: Gradually reintroduce activities that require some focus. Simple puzzles, drawing, board games, or listening to stories can help them ease back into a learning mindset. Start reducing screen time a little each day and transition to more educational content such as “ A Real Bugs Life”, “Tiny Planet”, or almost anything on PBS Kids (we especially love Daniel Tiger!).
Summer Vibe: Loose (or no) Bedtime or morning routine.
Transition Tip: Establish a simple bedtime and morning routine. Night example - Bath, pjs, teeth, pick clothes for morning, story, song, snuggles, sleep. Morning example - Dressed, teeth and hair brushed, breakfast, potty, shoes, backpack, out the door. Keep the core steps consistent but let the order be flexible where possible; this gives them a sense of ownership over the process and can reduce pushback.
Preparing for the first day
Talk About School Positively and Often:
Read books about going to school (check out some of our favorites below). Talk about the fun things they'll do, the friends they'll make, and the new things they'll learn.
Acknowledge Big Feelings:
Help your child name what they’re feeling, and let them know it’s okay to feel that way. Share your feelings too, it shows them it’s safe to talk about theirs.
Ask questions like: “What are you excited about?” “What do you think school will be like?” “What are you feeling nervous about?”. Making space for these conversations helps your child feel supported and prepared.
Prepare your home:
You can install child-height hooks for backpacks and jackets near the entryway. Designate a clear drop zone for lunchboxes and school papers; consider labeled bins or a simple inbox system and go through items weekly. Set up a small bench or cube seat where your child can sit and put on their shoes comfortably each morning. Organize a child-accessible closet or shelf so they can choose their own clothes and dress independently. (If you need some help in this area we’re here for you!)
Visit the School/Classroom:
If possible, visit the school or even just drive by it a few times. If your child is new to school, a pre-arranged visit to their classroom to meet the teacher and see the space can work wonders in alleviating first-day jitters.
First-Time School-Goers: A Gentle Beginning
For those embarking on their very first school journey, the focus is on building security and trust.
Practice Separations:
Before the big day, practice short separations. Leave your child with a trusted caregiver or family member for increasing periods. Always say a short, clear goodbye and return when you say you will. This well help them trust that you will always come back!
You can even try some roll play, one parent can be the teacher, the other can be themselves, you can practice saying goodbye and getting settled in a new classroom. Tell then what they might find in their classroom and the fun things they can do there.
A Comfort Object or Picture (if allowed):
Some schools allow a small comfort object (like a special blanket or stuffed animal) or picture of your family for the first few days. Check with the school. This can provide a sense of security in a new environment.
Keep Goodbyes Short and Sweet:
On the first day, a quick, confident, and loving goodbye is best. Lingering can make separation harder for both of you. Reassure them you'll be back, give a hug, and go. As a Montessori teacher in a classroom for several years, I can tell you that within 5 minutes of a parent leaving, most children have stopped crying and are engaged in the classroom.
Trust the Process (and the Teachers!):
Educators are skilled at helping children transition. Trust their expertise and talk to them about any concerns.
Practice:
Let them zip and unzip their back pack, put things in and take the out, eat lunch from their new lunchbox, make sure they can open it and latch it correctly, practice putting on clothes and shoes. Anything they might do at school you can practice at home before their first day.
The start of school is a moment to nurture independence, resilience, and joy. You’ve got this—and so do they.
Books we love for starting school!
Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective - Hattie encounters several friends who need some first day jitters support; she digs into her toolbox and finds the right tool for each one.
Your Name is a Song - As someone with a unique first name, this one resonates big time!
Our class is a Family - The classroom is so much more than just a place where we learn. It’s a safe place to grow and make mistakes; a home away from home.
The Kissing Hand - A mama raccoon helps her little one say goodbye with a special family secret.
How Do Dinosaurs Go to School - This series is one of my favorites. At first it shows all of the missteps the Dinos might make on their first day but then we see they find their way and learn how to work and play with others at school.
