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Starting School : 10 tips and tools for a confident start

Starting the school year, especially for the very first time, is an exciting change for both children and their parents or guardians!

It’s a big step, but through past separation experiences, you and your child have prepared for this day and have developed skills you are ready to build upon! Our school team will be here to guide and support you every step of the way.

 

     1. Make it tangible

A week before school starts, begin adjusting your child's wake-up time to match the school day schedule. This will help make the transition to school smoother and more manageable.

To make the start of school feel more real, you can organize supplies, create a checklist, and prepare everything needed for the first day. Consider choosing their outfit for the "big day" together and planning a special meal the night before that they enjoy, adding some joy to the experience. By involving your child in these preparations, you can build excitement for this new chapter.

 

     2. Fuel the excitement

Use positive framing when talking to your child about starting school. Focus on all the exciting things they can look forward to, like playing on a fun playground, making new friends, and becoming a big kid!

 

     3. Set realistic expectations for your child

Knowing what to expect can help reduce stress. Use the resources provided by the school to help your child understand what a typical school day will look like, and discuss the daily schedule together. You might read books on this topic, or even watch the new series of reels “I’m a big kid now!”.

 

     4. Set realistic expectations for yourself

The goal is not to avoid all uncomfortable feelings but to recognize that it is normal to feel that way and that new and unknown situations can be challenging.

Tailor your expectations to reality (e.g., we can't eliminate all stress from starting school) and to your child’s unique qualities. Consider their temperament, strengths, and interests when thinking about how the start of school will be for them. The key is to parent the child you have and avoid making comparisons as much as possible.

 

     5. Keep the goodbye short and sweet

A goodbye routine can be very helpful for most children in managing separation anxiety. Ideally, this routine should be balanced—not too swift but not too prolonged—allowing you to say goodbye firmly, yet with love and empathy.

Instead of apologizing for leaving, calmly explain what your day will look like and express your excitement to hear all about their day later. Always ensure they know when you are leaving; don’t slip away without saying goodbye, even if it’s difficult to see them struggle.

Consider using "transitional" objects or signs to provide comfort and a tangible link to home. For example, a small item from home tucked in their pocket (you might want to share this with your teacher) or a heart drawn on their wrist can offer reassurance throughout the day.

 

     6. You’ve got this!

When difficulties arise, start by giving your child some space and time, if possible, to express their feelings, offering support as needed. Remember, “all feelings are okay, but not all behaviors are.”

In most cases, a simple yet effective strategy is to validate their feelings and communicate confidence. You might say, “This is hard, but we can do hard things together.”

 

     7. We’ve got your back!

Trust the school team: they are experienced in handling separations and supporting children along the day! You can always discuss strategies with them to help your child based on their developmental needs and individual rhythms. Our school emphasizes a strong partnership with families, ensuring that students feel supported and understood. You can rely on us to work together for your child’s well-being.

Here's how we help:

          - Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) is integral to our approach, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. This year, we are excited to introduce a brand-new curriculum that formalizes all we already do and more!

          - In Preschool and Elementary, your child’s teachers and teacher assistants are trained professionals who know how to guide your child in both their learning and socio-emotional experiences. When needed, they can consult the Student Learning and Wellness Team for guidance and evaluation, allowing us to provide insights and support tailored to your child's specific needs.

 

     8. Remember “It’s a process”

Remember that starting school is a learning experience for everyone, not just a one-time event. Change is a natural part of life, and it takes time to adjust. It's normal for children to need time to adapt, and temporary sleep issues and fatigue are very common. For some children, separation isn’t a major concern. Often, even if the moment of separation is tough, the child will eventually settle in and have a great day!

As their "safe person," you might be the one who sees the signs of their adaptation, like fatigue or crankiness—and that’s actually a good sign! It means they feel comfortable enough to express their feelings with you.

 

     9. Routine is key

During the first weeks of school, you and your child will gradually discover the routines that work best for both of you as they adjust. Try to keep your schedule as consistent as possible during this period, including wake-up times, after-school routines, and evening schedules. Prioritize family meals and quality time with your child whenever feasible. Each morning, briefly go over the day's specifics and clearly communicate any changes to the plan, so your child knows what to expect.

 

     10. Rely on us!

On the first day, and on every day that follows, remember that we are here to help! The Lycée offers numerous resources to help you build a strong partnership with your child’s teachers and to ensure your child thrives and is happy at school.

We encourage two-way communication: you’re always welcome to reach out to the school team with any questions or concerns. You’ll also receive regular newsletters to keep you informed about what’s happening on our campuses.The Lycée is an incredible community of parents and professionals, offering many valuable resources such as parent education series, library books, the Buddy Program, and WhatsApp groups. Don’t hesitate to ask the Admission Team about all these opportunities!

 

In conclusion, remember that it’s perfectly okay to feel a mix of emotions as you navigate this transition. School is a training ground for many skills, and it's always a learning and growing experience that we all navigate at our own pace. Lean on the skills and experiences you’ve gained, and know that our team is here to support and guide you every step of the way. Together, we’ll make this a positive and successful start to the school year!

 

Written with LFSF expert,

Anne BARGIACCHI (Wellness Coordinator)

 

 

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ALSO, FROM OUR PARTNERS:

Tips for First­-Time Lunchbox Moms and Dads , by Teuko

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