The First Weeks of School

assistant3963

1 day ago

4 min read

The Little Things That Make a Big Difference

The first weeks of school are filled with so many "firsts."

A new teacher.

A new classroom.

New routines.

New friends.

For some children, these firsts are exciting. For others, they can feel a little overwhelmed. And as parents, watching your child step into something new can stir up emotions of your own.

If your child seems extra clingy, emotional, quiet, or even unusually energetic during this time, know that it's all part of the transition. New experiences require children to process a lot at once, and every child adjusts in their own way, (just like we adults too!).

One phrase I often share with families is:

Different doesn't mean dangerous.

1.Different doesn't mean dangerous 🤔

This is especially for children who may tend to feel anxious at a new experience. Something unfamiliar may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but that doesn't mean it isn't safe, exciting, or full of wonderful possibilities. With consistency, encouragement, and loving support, what feels "new" today often becomes tomorrow's favorite part of the day.

If your child feels anxious, invite them to share with you. Listen, empathize, connect first. Remind them of past experiences where they felt this way, and then it became a positive experience. Teach them some in-the-moment strategies to calm their nervous system: slow, deep, even breathing, tapping on their forehead/temples, sew something comforting into their pocket they can hold on to.

Children are remarkably resilient. They don't need every moment to be perfect—they simply need caring adults who believe in them and gently remind them, "You've got this. I'm here, and I know you can do hard things."

2.Goodbyes Matter 👋

A present and loving goodbye is important.

Keep it warm, positive, and brief.

Children often take emotional cues from us, so when we confidently tell them,"I'm so excited for your day. I'll be back after school!" they begin believing it too.

Lingering goodbyes are often much harder than short, confident ones.

Even when they seem distressed when you leave, they most often adjust quickly.

And remember this, every time your child overcomes a difficult emotion, they are building important skills in emotional regulation and resilience. So, if they are sad when you go, that is actually OK (even if it doesn't feel like it at the time!).

3. Send a Little Piece of Home 📝

A familiar reminder from home can bring a great deal of comfort during the first few days of school.

A small family photo tucked into a backpack, a handwritten note of encouragement, or a tiny keepsake in their pocket or backpack can remind your child that even though you're apart for a little while, they're surrounded by people who love and care about them.

These simple gestures aren't meant to prevent independence—they actually help children build it. Feeling emotionally connected gives children the security they need to confidently explore, make new friends, and embrace new experiences. And before you know it, they'll be proudly telling you all about their adventures at school.

4. After School Matters Too 🏡

School is wonderful—but it's also a lot of work.

Throughout the day, children are listening, sharing, making decisions, solving problems, navigating friendships, following routines, and regulating emotions. By the time you pick them up, many children have used an incredible amount of physical, emotional, and mental energy.

One of the best things you can offer after school is connection before conversation.

A hug.
A smile.
A protein-rich smoothie or snack.
A few quiet moments together.
Rather than asking lots of questions immediately, simply enjoy being together.

Ask Different Questions

Instead of:

"How was your day?" or “What did you do today?”

Try asking:

What made you laugh today?
Did you play with someone new?
What was your favorite part of being outside?
What surprised you today?
What made you feel sad today?
Did you help someone today?

Specific questions help children remember meaningful moments and often lead to much richer conversations.

💡Did You Know?

Children often need time to decompress after school before they're ready to talk about their day. Giving them space to regulate first can lead to more meaningful conversations later. Build in some extra time at bedtime, this is often when they feel like sharing the most.

❤️ From Miss Sandra’s Heart: Rethinking “Good Job!”

One thing I’ve learned, both as a parent and an educator, is to look for the little wins. Starting school isn’t one big milestone—it’s lots of tiny ones along the way. One day your child may walk in happily, and the next day they may need a little extra help saying goodbye. They may tell you all about their day, or you may get the classic “I don’t know,” (until bedtime when it aaall comes out 😊)

I always come back to one of my favorite mantras: connection before correction. When feelings are big, our children often need us to connect with them first—to slow down, listen, give a hug, or simply let them know we understand…even when we may be bursting to give advice. Once they feel safe and connected, their nervous systems are simply much more ready to learn, try again, and work through whatever felt hard.

So this school year, let’s celebrate the little things. Waking up in a good mood. Getting shoes on by themselves. A brave goodbye. Trying something new. Making a friend. Asking for help. Getting through a hard morning.

Every day may look different, but every day has a little victory worth noticing. 🌿

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