Dealing with Young Children and First Day of School Anxiety

by Amber Bowie August 15, 2023

Dealing with your child's first day of school anxiety can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to help your child feel more comfortable and confident about starting school. Here are some pieces of advice:

Open Communication: Talk to your child about their feelings. Encourage them to express their worries and concerns about the first day of school. Listen actively and without judgment. This helps your child feel understood and supported.
Familiarize Them with the Environment: If possible, visit the school together before the first day. Walk around the campus, find their classroom, and show them important places like the restroom and cafeteria. This can help reduce the fear of the unknown.
Meet the Teacher: Arrange a meeting with the teacher before the school year begins. This gives your child an opportunity to meet their teacher in a more relaxed setting, ask questions, and establish a positive connection.
Practice Routines: Before school starts, establish a daily routine that mimics the school schedule. This helps your child become familiar with the routine and reduces the element of surprise.

Boys First Day of School

Positive Stories: Share positive stories and experiences about your own school days or the experiences of older siblings or family members. Highlight the fun aspects of school and the friends they might make.
Focus on the Positives: Talk about the exciting aspects of going to school, such as making new friends, learning new things, and engaging in fun activities.
Involve Them in Preparation: Let your child be a part of preparing for the first day. This could involve shopping for school supplies, picking out an outfit, or packing their school bag. When they have some control, it can ease their anxiety.
Create a Transitional Object: Give your child a small item, like a special keychain or a photo of the family, that they can keep with them during the school day. This can provide comfort and a sense of connection.
Plan a Calm Morning: On the first day, wake up a bit earlier to have a relaxed and unhurried morning. This sets a positive tone for the day and reduces stress.
Acknowledge Feelings: Let your child know that it's okay to feel nervous or anxious. Normalize their feelings and offer reassurance that their emotions are valid.

Remember that each child is unique, so it might take time for your child to adjust. Be patient, supportive, and adaptable to their needs as they navigate this new chapter. If the anxiety persists or worsens, consider seeking guidance from a school counselor or mental health professional. It took my youngest daughter a few weeks to become comfortable being away from me.

Be sure to check out our Back to School collection to personalize your kiddo's first day of school style: