So, it’s your child’s first day of school!

While this is a wonderfully exciting time, with it there can also be feelings of nerves and worries.

At Good Shepherd, we’ve been educating young learners for close to 45 years. Throughout this time, we’ve gained valuable insights into how families can support their children during this transition to school, and we’d love to share them with you…

Understanding the Transition

Starting school is a steeeeep learning curve for most children.

They’re adjusting to new rules, routines, expectations, and social interactions, all while they begin foundational academic learning. This adjustment period can take several months, with children often feeling tired and overwhelmed in the first few weeks.

They spend their whole day working SO hard sitting still, focussing, answering questions, and completing classwork, then there is navigating friendships and other students during playtimes. This can be a lot for anyone, but especially for children. After all, they’re not just smaller versions of adults, they’re new beings in this world, often seeing and experiencing things for the first time!

There is just so much to learn and they need the space and the grace from us, as their big people, to allow them to take it all in, to make mistakes, and to ask questions (so many questions!) as these new experiences shape and mould their abilities and their view and understanding of the world around them.

Children also do not always have the ability to effectively control their emotions, or have the coping skills to manage stress. This often results in them being more sensitive after school pick up, crying more easily or having outbursts at seemingly minor problems when at home after a busy day of school.

These emotional meltdowns aren’t necessarily a bad thing, it means you’re their person! They feel safe enough to express themselves and trust that the people at home will love them and help them learn to manage their overwhelm. But this can be hard, especially if we ourselves have had a hard day. Learn to take a breath and be patient. Allow your child the time they need to settle into their new environment.

Supporting Your Child’s Transition to School

Below are some practical tips to help you prepare for this significant milestone of their first day of school (remember, these are general suggestions and may not all apply to you or your child).

Tip #1 – Settling into School

Adjusting to the New Environment

The first term of school involves learning new expectations, from raising hands to speak, learning their place on the mat, and understanding the significance of different bells, to navigating the social landscape of the playground. It’s normal for children to feel exhausted as they adapt to this new world.

When they jump into the car after such a big day it may not necessarily be the right time for asking lots of questions about their day. Instead, arm yourself with their favourite snacks, put on some music you know they enjoy, and use this time driving home to quietly give them the space they need to decompress, you may find the conversation comes naturally from them. If not, dinner time is usually a wonderful opportunity to encourage your child to talk about their day and share any highlights or concerns they have. Try these few conversation starters!

• What made you smile at school today?
• What’s one thing you learned today that you didn’t know yesterday?
• If you were the teacher today, what would you do differently?
• Was there a moment today when you felt really proud of yourself?
• What’s one question you asked in class today, or wish you had asked?
• Did you do something today that made you feel brave?
• Did you do something today that was kind?

Create a calm and supportive environment where they feel safe to express their emotions, actively listen when they share details about their day, and give them lots of love and support.

Friendship Development
Making friends takes time. If your child reports playing with “no one” don’t panic, it’s often because they’re still learning names or engaging with many peers informally. Avoid pressing your child about specific friendships, as this can sometimes add pressure. Instead, ask open-ended questions like, “What games did you enjoy today?” or “Who made you smile?”. If you have concerns about their social interactions, discuss them with their teacher, who can offer insight and support.

Tip #2: Establishing Routines

Mornings Matter
Arriving at school on time – or even a little early – gives your child a chance to complete their morning tasks and connect with peers without being rushed, causing feelings of angst. A calm, consistent morning routine sets a positive tone for the day.

Helping your child to prepare as much as possible the night before, such as having them lay out their clothes, helping to pack their lunchbox, and organise their school bag, helps to reduce morning stress and get out of the door on time.

Consistent Bedtimes
A regular sleep schedule is absolutely essential to ensure your child has the energy to engage in their busy school day, deal with any stresses the day may bring, and better manage their emotions. Transition to a school bedtime routine as the holidays end, gradually adjusting the timing if necessary. Aim for 10-12 hours of sleep, depending on your child’s age and needs. (Click here to find out how much sleep your child needs)

Homework Habits
If your child receives homework, such as sight words or reading, integrate it into their routine. Create a quiet, comfortable space for learning at home and keep homework sessions short and focused. Praise their efforts and celebrate small achievements to build their confidence.

Tip #3: Positivity is Key

Children mirror their parents’ attitudes. How we as parents speak about school, teachers, and classmates, is how our children will believe their experience to be. Speak positively and highlight exciting aspects of their day such as learning new things, playing games, or making friends.

If you have concerns, address them privately with the teacher rather than discussing them publicly or with your child, as doubts or misinformation can often spread in such settings. Your enthusiasm and encouragement will help your child develop a positive mindset about school.

Tip #4: Teach Independence and Resilience

Practical Skills
Teach your child practical tasks like opening lunchboxes, dressing themselves, and unpacking their bags as they will need these skills for a successful and happy transition into school life. Practice these skills at home to build confidence, you will be amazed at just how much our little people are capable of. For example, show them how to zip up their jacket, tie their shoelaces, or manage tricky snack wrappers (Pinch and pull). These small acts build self-reliance and ease their daily routines, you’ll also see their confidence soar!

Resilience Building
Help your child differentiate between small and big problems. Use role-playing scenarios to practice problem-solving, such as what to do if they forget something or feel left out. Encourage them to “bounce back” from minor issues while supporting them through more significant challenges. Celebrate their efforts to solve problems independently and emphasise that mistakes are learning opportunities.

Tip #5: The Dreaded Full Lunchbox

Don’t be surprised if your child brings home a full lunchbox at first. With so many distractions, new friends, and new activities, eating may not be their top priority. Packing a variety of healthy options in small portions that they can easily ‘grab and go’ will ensure they at least eat something, and they have the energy they need for their day. Introduce them to their lunchbox items before school starts. This familiarity can get them excited to eat, both knowing that a yummy food is waiting for them, and eating at recess and lunch is less daunting because they know what to expect.

Tip #6: Trust Your Child’s Teacher

Teachers are skilled at understanding their students’ needs. Give them time to get to know your child and establish routines in the classroom. Trust their professional judgment and work collaboratively with them to support your child’s learning and development.

Open Communication
If your child’s teacher shares observations or concerns, approach these conversations with an open mind. Their insights are meant to help, not criticise. Similarly, share information about your child that may help the teacher better understand their needs, interests, and personality. A strong parent-teacher-student partnership is essential for a successful school experience.

Tip#7: A Good Goodbye is a Quick Goodbye

For children with separation anxiety, a brief farewell can make all the difference. Lingering often prolongs distress and can make it harder for your child to adjust, please trust when we say that most children settle quickly once their parent leaves.

Develop a consistent goodbye routine, such as a hug, a kiss, and a cheerful “See you later!” to make mornings as simple and stress-free as possible for your child. Communicate with the teacher if drop-offs remain challenging after a few weeks to months, as they can offer strategies to ease the transition.

Your Child’s Journey Awaits

Starting school (or even changing schools) is a significant milestone, and it’s normal for both children and parents to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. By following these few tips encouraging independence, maintaining routines, and building a positive outlook, you’ll set the foundation for a happy and successful school journey.

Good luck to all the children starting in Foundation this year, we look forward to welcoming you to our Good Shepherd Lutheran School community. May this be a year full of fun, learning, and growth for you all!