You and your child have just spent all summer together, which has resulted in wonderful memories but also difficulty in going back to school. Whether your child is entering preschool or kindergarten, leaving your side can feel stressful and may lead to fear, upset stomachs, and even tantrums. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Make the transition back to school a breeze by following these steps:
- Stick to a routine
- Help your child feel more in control
- Talk to your child about their fears
- Walk through the school day
As an early learning center, we’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming the back-to-school transition can be for parents of young children, which is why we’ve created a guide to make this process easier. Ready to help your child feel less nervous about starting school? Let’s dive in.
Stick to a Routine
Children thrive when they have a consistent routine. Just like adults, they like to know what’s going to happen and when, so they aren’t caught off guard. As the school year approaches, start easing your child’s schedule back into a consistent routine that matches their school schedule. This will mainly impact two schedules: your child’s sleep routine and their morning routine.
Sleep Routine
The key to having a good morning is to establish a consistent sleep routine. When you and your child get a full night’s rest, you are both ready to tackle the next day. But how much sleep your child needs to function fully depends on their age. According to the CDC, it’s recommended the following age groups get the following amounts of sleep:
- 0-3 months: 14-17 hours
- 4-12 months: 12-16 hours (including naps)
- 1-2 years: 11-14 hours (including naps)
- 3-5 years: 10-13 hours (including naps)
- 6-12 years: 9-12 hours
For some children, however, going to bed for the night can be a challenge. This is where having a consistent sleep routine comes in. Ideally, this routine should start 30-60 minutes before bedtime and help your child unwind for the night. Staying true to this routine will help their brain recognize that it’s time to sleep when the routine begins, decreasing the amount of resistance many parents face. Try to stick to a regular bedtime that works best for your family. Then, perform the following tasks (or ones that work for your little one) in the same order every night:
- Turn off screens an hour before bedtime
- Take a warm bath
- Brush teeth
- Unwind by asking about your child’s day, reading a book together, listening to calming music, or another relaxing activity
Once your child is in bed and ready to sleep, you can get ready for the next morning by performing your own sleep routine. Remember, transitioning back to school can be stressful for children and parents alike. Pack any lunches and snacks ahead of time, lay out your child’s clothes and make sure everything is ready for you to grab and go in the morning. Remember, the key to a successful day at school is a consistent and strong sleep routine.
Morning Routine
A morning routine is just as important as a sleep routine as it helps decrease the chances of a stressful start to the day. When children and parents know what to expect and what’s needed of them, everyone feels calmer and can get out the door without tears. Just like with a sleep routine, a morning routine starts with a consistent wake up time. Be sure to include an extra 5-10 minutes in your morning routine to account for any unexpected delays. They are going to happen, so why not build them into your schedule? It may also be helpful to create a visual schedule or checklist you and your sleepy child can follow in the morning. Items on this list may include:
- Brush teeth
- Wash face
- Get dressed
- Eat breakfast
- Grab lunch and school supplies
Some children resist morning routines because they are tired or because they see the things they need to do as boring. In these cases, try building a music playlist with your child to help get them moving in the morning. It will be difficult for them to stay in bed when they want to dance to their favorite song! Not to mention, having your child help build a playlist for their morning routine makes them feel like they have a say in how they start their day. This gives children a sense of control which can make any transition easier, especially big ones like going back to school.
Help Your Child Feel More in Control
Change can be overwhelming, especially for young children experiencing it for the first time. That’s a big reason going back to school can be so stressful. Your toddler’s schedule for the summer is being completely uprooted, making your child feel out of control. Instead of suddenly waking them early one morning to attend an early learning center for the first time in months, involve them in the process of getting ready for this change.
Start by explaining where they will be going and sharing your own experiences with them. You may not have many memories of your time in preschool, but you can still share what you do remember of your early school days. Particularly, focus on your positive experiences to help your child feel more at ease. Next, take your child shopping for new school clothes or school supplies. Additionally, let them pick their first day of school outfit and a favorite snack for lunch or for when they get home. This gives your child a sense of control and can help them feel more stable during this transition. Sometimes though, this isn’t enough to lessen your child’s anxieties and that’s okay. That just means it’s time to sit down and talk with your child.
Talk with Your Child About Their Fears
Whether your child is getting ready for their first day at preschool or high school, it’s never too early to help them navigate their big feelings. If your child is showing apprehension when you talk to them about starting school in a few weeks, sit down and talk with them about what it is they’re afraid of. Try asking open-ended questions like, “I’ve noticed you seem nervous about starting preschool. Do you want to talk about what you’re most worried about?” This gives your child space to share their feelings.
Listen to your child’s fears and let them know that what they’re feeling is completely normal. Validating your child’s feelings will make them feel seen and may even help lessen their anxieties. Then offer them strategies to manage these feelings like:
- Breathing exercises: Practice taking deep breaths together when they start feeling anxious.
- Muscle relaxation: Have your child tighten their muscles, hold them, and then release working up from their toes to their head.
- Visualization: Have your child imagine all their stress as a big ball in their stomach. Collect all that fear and then throw it away.
You may need to do this several times with your child leading up to their first day back to school, or even at the classroom door. The most important thing is to acknowledge your child’s fears and give them the tools they’ll need to work through these big feelings without you. Because at the end of the day, you won’t be with them at school and that could be what your child is most nervous about.
Walk Through the School Day
One of the biggest fears children have when it comes to going back to school is fear of the unknown. Their toddler schedule is about to be completely changed, and they have no idea what it will look like, where they will be, or who they will be with. That would be stressful for anyone, especially little ones. You may not be able to attend the first day of school with them to hold their hand, but you can take certain steps to prepare your child for this new environment.
Start by talking to them about what they can expect from a school routine. Typically, a school routine for young children will include circle time, learning activities, snack time, outdoor play, and even nap time. You may even practice what a typical school routine will look like at home, just like if you were playing pretend school with your child. If your child still seems nervous, try taking them to the early learning center they will be attending ahead of time. You may even ask the administration if you can walk around inside with them for a little bit just to show your child there’s nothing to be afraid of. The more familiar your child is with the school routine and environment, the less afraid they will be when it’s time to go back to school.
Looking For More Tips on How to Handle Your Child’s Big Emotions?
Whether your child is going to school for the first time or returning after summer break, this can be an overwhelming time for them. No one likes change, especially not children who thrive on consistent toddler schedules. This is all a natural part of growing up, and you can help your child learn to manage their fears and anxieties around transitions. Sign up for our free monthly newsletter for more advice and parenting tips on how to help your child navigate their big feelings.
Back to School Routines FAQs
Start transitioning your child’s schedule one to two weeks before back to school begins. Gradually move bedtime earlier, wake them at the same time each day, and practice your morning routine. At our early learning center, we often recommend practicing the school routine at home so children feel confident when the first day arrives.
Ideally, families should begin adjusting their morning routine about two weeks before school starts. This gives children time to adapt to earlier wake times, breakfast schedules, and getting dressed without feeling rushed.
A strong sleep routine includes consistent bedtimes, calming activities before bed, and limited screen time in the evening. At our early learning center, we often suggest starting the routine 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime with activities like reading, bathing, or quiet conversation.
A consistent school routine should include predictable wake-up times, meals, learning activities, play time, and bedtime. Young children feel more secure when they know what to expect each day, which is why early learning centers rely on structured routines.
A toddler schedule often includes morning learning activities, snack time, outdoor play, lunch, nap time, and afternoon activities. Early learning centers design toddler schedules that balance learning, play, and rest so children stay engaged without becoming overwhelmed.
Preparing the night before can make mornings much smoother. Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and review the next day’s plan with your child. Many families also find that visual checklists help children stay on track with their morning routine.
A consistent sleep routine helps children wake up feeling rested and ready to learn. Without enough sleep, children may struggle with focus, mood, and energy during the school day.
Start by talking openly about their feelings and letting them ask questions. At our early learning center, we encourage parents to walk through the school routine with their child so they know what their day will look like.
Introduce changes slowly and keep routines predictable. Practice elements of the toddler schedule at home, such as snack time, story time, or quiet rest time, so the transition feels familiar.
Keeping a similar sleep routine on weekends can make weekday mornings easier. Small adjustments are fine, but drastic schedule changes can make it harder for children to adjust when school starts again.
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