Back to school: what your little one (and you) need to know
Going back to school can be tricky after the summer holidays. Schedules change, routines reset, and both children and families need time to adjust.
The first day of school after the summer break is an adventure filled with excitement, nerves, and, yes, chaos!
Below, we offer a series of tips for preparing for that big day. From establishing early routines to packing practical and comfortable clothes , to supporting the childlike emotions that emerge in the little ones.
1. Establish early routines for a stress-free return to school
The key to avoiding setbacks when children return to school lies in organization. To achieve this, starting to establish routines a few days before returning to the classroom is essential. This way, the transition will be gradual and won't be an abrupt change for both the little ones... and the older ones. Gradually resuming schedules—for example, gradually moving bedtimes and wake-up times forward—will help the body and mind adjust.
It's very helpful to prepare everything in advance. The night before, have your school backpack ready, along with clothes and shoes , and, if necessary, a light jacket for the early hours of the day. That way, everything will be within reach in the morning and you'll avoid unnecessary rushing.
It's also important to have all the necessary school supplies . Making a list together and purchasing them can be an exciting time for children. From pencil cases in their favorite colors, personalized pencils , stickers to mark their belongings, to a comfortable and durable children's backpack, everything helps generate excitement and security in the school environment.
When waking up, it's ideal to follow a simple, repetitive sequence : get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, pack backpack... You can accompany these moments with a short, fun song that helps set the pace for the morning without giving commands. These types of routines provide structure and serenity and allow little ones to feel secure and capable.
2. Create stress-free mornings
After several days of practicing new routines, it's time to really put them into practice. For the first morning of school to flow smoothly, it's essential that the entire environment is supportive: waking up early enough, avoiding unnecessary distractions, and creating a calm and predictable environment will help little ones experience this moment with confidence.
When it's time to wake up, it's ideal to follow a simple, repetitive sequence : get up, get dressed , eat breakfast, brush teeth, pack backpack ... You can accompany these moments with a short, fun song that helps set the pace without the need for constant instructions. These types of routines provide structure and serenity and allow little ones to feel secure and capable .
Plus, having all the school supplies prepared and checked in advance also brings peace of mind to the whole family. Doing this preparation together—from choosing a pencil case in their favorite colors to labeling their backpack or checking that all their notebooks are there—turns organizing into an opportunity to strengthen their independence and enthusiasm for the big day.
3. Choose a practical and comfortable outfit for the first day of school
One of the most important aspects for a successful first day of school is that little ones feel comfortable and secure in their clothes. Ideally, choose clothing that allows them to move freely, is easy to put on and take off, and doesn't cause discomfort during play or in the classroom.
Two-piece sets , with elastic-waist pants and a matching sweatshirt , are great allies in these first days full of movement, discovery, and excitement. A set with a print they like or featuring a fun mascot can make them especially excited on that first day and become a little motivational boost to leave the house with a smile.
Don't forget to pack a light jacket , especially if your child starts school early. Temperature changes are frequent, and having an easy-to-wear layer can make all the difference.
When faced with the classic question of how to dress my child for the first day of school , the answer is always: comfort above all. Avoid complicated closures, difficult buttons, or hard zippers that can cause frustration when trying to dress themselves. Encouraging their independence from day one makes them feel more capable and confident.
An important detail: don't forget to label each item of clothing with its name . In these first few weeks, it's common for jackets, sweatshirts, or backpacks to be mistakenly swapped in class. A discreet but visible label can save many moments of confusion.
4. Strengthen your emotional confidence on the first day of school
The first day of school is a time of great change, and it's completely normal for emotions to run high. Some children experience it with excitement, others with nerves and even a few tears. The important thing is to accompany them calmly and offer them reassurance at every step.
A simple and effective way to help them is to talk about school as an exciting adventure . You can tell them that there they'll learn new things, make new friends, and discover magical places in their classroom. Explaining what's going to happen in simple, positive terms helps them anticipate and understand the environment they'll encounter.
Managing emotions on this day is essential. The most important thing is that they feel supported during this adjustment process.
With these first-day-of-school tips , focusing on family routines , practical organization , comfortable children's wardrobe , and a healthy dose of emotional confidence , that great start can turn into a fond memory for everyone.
