Preparing Your Child for the Transition to School: A Guide for Parents

Starting school is a major milestone in a child’s life—and a big moment for parents, too. It’s the beginning of a new chapter filled with learning, social interaction, and growth. But like any big change, the transition to school can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. With the right preparation and support, you can help your child feel confident and ready for their school journey.

Start Early Conversations

Talk to your child about school well before the first day. Describe what their daily routine might look like, what activities they’ll do, and the fun things they’ll learn. Use positive language to create excitement and curiosity.

You could read books together about starting school—stories with characters experiencing their first day can be a great way to spark discussion.

Building Independence

Help your child develop basic self-care and organisational skills they’ll use daily at school. This includes:

• Using the toilet independently

• Dressing themselves (especially putting on shoes and jackets)

• Managing their lunch box and snacks

• Recognising and packing their belongings

Small daily routines can make a big difference in boosting your child’s confidence and sense of independence when they start school.

Encourage Social Skills

Being able to interact well with peers and teachers is a big part of school readiness. Encourage your child to:

• Take turns

• Share toys

• Follow simple instructions

• Express their needs and feelings

Organising play dates or group activities with other children can help develop these essential skills in a relaxed environment.

Visit the School

Familiarising your child with their new environment can help ease anxiety. Attend orientation days, visit the playground, or walk by the school to make it feel more familiar and welcoming. If you can tour the school try and introduce them to key spaces like the classroom, toilets, and lunch area if you're able to.

Create a Consistent Routine

A steady daily routine helps children feel secure. Begin transitioning to a “school schedule” a few weeks before school starts:

• Adjust bedtime and wake-up times

• Practice morning and evening routines

• Introduce quiet reading or activity time similar to school structure

A routine gives children a sense of predictability and prepares them mentally for the upcoming change.

Foster a Love for Learning

You don’t need to formally teach your child to read or write before school—but nurturing curiosity and a love for learning goes a long way. Activities like:

• Reading together

• Playing with puzzles or building blocks

• Drawing and storytelling

These help develop early literacy, motor skills, and imagination.

Acknowledge Feelings (Theirs and Yours)

It’s natural for both you and your child to feel emotional about this transition. Reassure your child that it’s okay to feel nervous or unsure. Be open about your own feelings in a calm way—modelling that it’s okay to talk about emotions.

Stay Positive and Supportive

Children often pick up on their parents' emotions. If you’re calm, positive, and enthusiastic, your child is more likely to feel that way too. Celebrate the milestone and remind them how proud you are.

Starting school is a journey—for both you and your child. By preparing together, you can help them step into this new world with confidence, resilience, and a sense of wonder. Remember, it's not about having all the answers—it's about walking alongside your child as they discover them.

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