Whether your child is starting “big school” for the first time in September (pass the tissues) or stepping up into a new year group, the transition back to school after the summer break can be tricky.
For parents, it's a jumble of emotions: there's the unbridled joy of no longer having to plan 24/7 entertainment; the heartwrenching fear of watching them take their first independent steps into the big bad world and the double take when you see them in the uniform and wonder where your baby went?
For children, the shift can stir up just as much — excitement, nerves, butterflies and wobbles all rolled into one.Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to ease the shift and help little ones feel ready for what’s ahead. Here are my top tips to help get September off to a confident start.
1. Know the unknown
A lot of worries stem from not knowing what to expect: What will my classroom look like? Who will my teacher be? Will I have any friends? What if the work feels too hard? Where possible, help fill in those blanks. Many schools arrange visits to new classrooms or teachers — and even a photo of the classroom or timetable can help your child feel familiar with their new environment. If the school offers a buddy system, encourage your child to see it as a friendly face on day one.
2. Remember their resilience
Your child has already overcome new experiences, even if they don’t remember. Remind them of a time when they tried something that felt scary at first — and how proud and happy they felt afterwards. By anchoring them to those positive memories, they’ll feel more able to handle new challenges. Together, picture what a great first day could look like: new friends, completed classwork, and a sense of pride.
3. Turn nervousness into excitement
Butterflies in the tummy are universal — and they can mean nerves or excitement (sometimes both at once). Encourage your child to “reframe” the fluttery feeling as excitement. Imagine those butterflies dancing with joy rather than worry. This small shift can make a big difference in how they walk through the school gates.
4. Celebrate and reflect
When the first day is done, give your child the chance to reflect. A simple prompt like “I liked… I wish… I wonder…” can help them share positives, voice concerns, and look forward with curiosity. Mark the milestone with something celebratory — whether that’s their favourite dinner, a special dessert, or just extra cuddles on the sofa.
Why this matters
Whether your child is moving up a year or starting an entirely new school, knowing that their feelings are valid — and that they’re not alone — is what helps them feel secure. It’s not about taking away every worry, but giving them the tools and confidence to manage those feelings and find joy in what lies ahead.
And if you’d like to go a step further, our Back to School Bundle is designed to support just that. With playful activities that build confidence, focus, creativity and early academic skills, it’s a gentle, fun way to help children feel prepared for the classroom and beyond.
