September is around the corner, and with it comes one of the biggest milestones for so many families… starting school. For little ones, it’s the beginning of new adventures, friendships and independence. For parents, it’s often a mix of pride, excitement and a lot of tears as you wave them off at the school gates!
This year feels especially real for me, as my youngest, Charlotte, starts school. She’s my baby and while she’s beyond excited to put on her uniform and join her big brother, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling all the emotions too- sorting out her wardrobe and all her little uniform was far more emotional than I expected! It’s a reminder of how quickly time passes and that even as we encourage them to grow, we still want to hold onto all of those little moments.
Helping Your Child with the Transition
Starting school can feel overwhelming for children, but a little preparation goes a long way.
* Talk it through: Chat about what the school day will look like so they know what to expect.
* Visit together: Walk past the school or attend open days so it feels familiar.
* Practice routines: Getting dressed in uniform, packing a bag, or eating lunch at set times helps them feel more confident.
* Read stories about school: Books can be a great way to ease worries and spark excitement.
Supporting Yourself as a Parent
It’s not just children who have big feelings, parents do too (and sometimes more!).
* Allow yourself to feel it: It’s normal to be teary on the first day. Your little one starting school is a big milestone for you as well.
* Celebrate the achievement: Remember how far they’ve come, and that starting school is a huge step forward.
* Plan something for you: Whether it’s coffee with a friend or a quiet walk, give yourself space to process.
* Stay connected: Talking with other parents often helps, you’ll soon find that you’re not alone.
The First Day and Beyond
On the big day, keep goodbyes short and positive. A big smile and reassurance that you’ll see them later helps your child feel secure. Know that they’ll be busy making friends and soaking up their new world, even if you’re missing them.
For the weeks that follow, keep an eye on energy levels as those first full days at school can be exhausting. Lots of early nights, cuddles and patience will go a long way.
For me, sending Charlotte off in her shiny new school shoes feels like closing a chapter, I’m so going to miss our Mummy and Charlotte days. BUT, she’s absolutely ready for it and I’m learning to be ready too. If you’re going through the same, be gentle with yourself. Starting school is a journey for both parent and child, and it’s okay to feel all the feelings along the way.