Before the first official day, visit your child’s school and new classroom together. This gives both of you the chance to meet your teacher, explore your classroom, and begin to feel more at ease in the new environment. A familiar face and space can make all the difference!

Parenting Pro Tip:
Take a moment to let your child’s teacher know about any recent changes in routine, such as sleep schedules, eating habits, or even new interests. Teachers want to collaborate with you to ensure each day is joyful and predictable for your child.

Snap a quick photo of your child with their new teacher in their new space. You can show this to your child in the days leading up to the start of school, saying things like, “This is your classroom! You’ll be with Ms. Emma! Do you remember her?”

The way you talk about school and the energy you bring to those conversations makes a big impact on how your child feels about the experience. Even casual comments like “Time to get ready for school!” or “You’re going to have such a fun day!” can set the tone.

Use a cheerful, confident voice when mentioning their classroom, teachers, or daily routine. Children are more attuned to your tone and facial expressions than the actual words you say. When you talk about school as something exciting and safe, they begin to internalize those feelings.

Parenting Pro Tip: Instead of saying, “I know you don’t want to go, but you have to,” try rephrasing it as, “Your new classroom has so many fun things waiting for you I can’t wait to hear all about it later!” Or instead of, “I’m sorry I have to leave,” say, *“I love you so much and I’ll be back to hear all about your day!”.

This kind of positive framing builds confidence and trust. It helps your child feel that school is a place where they are cared for, where fun and learning go together, and where you are cheering them on even when you’re not physically there.

If your child has a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or other comfort item, let them bring it to school. These items can reduce anxiety, trigger feelings of calm, and serve as a little reminder of home.

When children are navigating change like starting in a new classroom everything takes a little longer. Getting dressed, brushing teeth, choosing a backpack, or saying goodbye may all require more time, patience, and emotional support than usual.

Giving yourself and your child extra time in the morning allows for a calmer, more connected start to the day. You might notice that your child moves more slowly, needs more reassurance, or becomes upset more easily especially when something doesn’t feel quite right, like a sensory issue with clothing or a change in their breakfast routine. These are signs that they’re still working through big emotions around change.

Building more time gives you the space to slow down, sit with them, and offers the comfort and co-regulation they need. It also gives your child time to feel more in control of the day ahead.

Use clear, gentle transitions to help your child move smoothly from one task to the next. Phrases like:
“After breakfast, we’ll brush our teeth, then it’s time to get your shoes on for school.”
“When the timer goes off, we’ll head to the car together.” Or “When the music stops, we’ll grab your backpack and head out together.”

These types of verbal cues give your child a mental roadmap of what to expect, reducing the uncertainty that often causes resistance or anxiety. Visual cues (like routine charts or picture schedules) can also be helpful, especially for toddlers and preschoolers.

Remember, this time of year is an emotional transition for the whole family. The extra time you build into your day isn’t just for tasks, it’s for connection, understanding, and allowing your child to move at a pace that supports their well-being. If your child is feeling overwhelmed or uncooperative, sit with them for a moment, offer a calming strategy, and validate how they feel. These small moments of co-regulation are essential in helping children build trust and independence during transitions. Your patience and presence matter more than getting out the door right on time.

Above all, be patient with your child and with yourself. Adjusting to a new routine isn’t a race, and the more supportive you are during this transition period, the more confident and capable your child will feel in the long run.

Parenting Pro Tip: Example of a Morning Routine

Check out this example routine that can be used with toddlers, preschoolers, and young school-aged children. You can print a chart with custom photos, or drawings that your child can help point to or check off. You can use magnets, Velcro cards, or dry-erase checkmarks to engage your child in this process. Visuals help children anticipate what comes next and ease the anxiety of uncertainty.

🛏️ Wake Up & Cuddle – A soft start to the day

🍽️ Eat Breakfast – Fill your body with energy

🪥 Brush Teeth – Sparkly clean smile

👕 Get Dressed – Choose your clothes or get help

🧦 Put on Socks & Shoes – Ask for help if needed

🧸 Grab Comfort Item (if needed) – Your blanket or stuffy

🎒 Pack Backpack – Lunch, folder, or favorite toy for later

🚗 Leave for School – You’re on your way!

🤗 Hug & Goodbye Ritual – Special handshake, high-five, or kiss

Transitions often stir up big emotions in children: excitement, fear, sadness, confusion, or even anger. These feelings are natural and valid. As caregivers, our goal is to help children understand that all feelings are okay it’s how we express them that matters.

You can gently teach:
“It’s okay to feel frustrated. Everyone feels that way sometimes.”
“It’s not okay to hit when we feel mad, but we can stomp our feet or ask for a hug.”

By separating the feeling from the behavior, you’re showing your child that emotions are nothing to be ashamed of but that they do need to learn safe and respectful ways to express them. This is where co-regulation comes in. Co-regulation means staying present with your child when they’re overwhelmed, not fixing the feeling, but walking with them through it. Sit beside them, offer a calm voice, validate their emotions, and model ways to manage the moment together.

You might say:
“You’re having a really big feeling right now. I’m here with you.”
“Let’s take three deep breaths together.”
“Would you like to squeeze your stuffy or take a quiet moment on the cozy chair?”

Over time, this consistent support teaches children how to move through big feelings safely, and with confidence. It also strengthens your connection and trust, two things that are especially important during times of change.

Remember, your calmness is contagious. The more you practice emotional safety with your child, the more they’ll learn to do the same for themselves and others.

Parenting Pro Tip:

Read stories together that addresses the emotions they are experiencing like “The Night Before Preschool” or “Llama Llama Misses Mama”, and invite them to share how they’re feeling.