First Day of School Survival Guide

This year I’m feeling quite different than I did last year when it comes to “Back to School.”

This year I KNOW he’s got this, while last year my son was entering kindergarten and I wasn’t quite as sure. It was a new school, new classmates, a new environment and I fretted endlessly about whether he would be okay.

He had been to daycare part-time, but I was home with him full time sincethe summer before. We had recently moved so he wouldn’t have the advantage of knowing anyone in his class.

He was born in July so he would be one of the younger students and fell firmly into the birthday window when some parents choose to delay starting school until the next year.

I still remember looking at my husband the night before and saying ” Maybe we should wait. Maybe he isn’t ready. I don’t think I am ready.”

My husband being the wise and patient man that he is, reminded me that otherwise my son would be sitting at home with me all day.

He reminded me that with another baby well on the way I wouldn’t be able to give our oldest all the attention anymore. He reminded me that this was for the best and that ready or not our five year old was heading to school tomorrow.

So if you are where I was last year and instead of celebrating you are up late worrying I thought I would share a few MUST KNOW survival tips to keep the first day of school day a happy one!

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Let Them Help You Prepare

As the first day approaches have your child help you pack their bag.

Show them where everything is and let them help you put away.

Not only will it help them feel more prepared but it also gives you a chance to talk about how they are feeling and if they have any questions or worries while keeping those little hands busy.

For Example:

Point out what goes in the pencil bag (erasers, pencils, scissors, etc.)
Let them know where you will ALWAYS put their snack
Show them where their “back up” clothes are (my school required them but in kindergarten I think they are a great idea regardless)

Do a Trial Run

If you will be packing your child’s lunch do a practice run where they eat out of their new lunch box a few days.

Show them how to open that yogurt or fruit cup, how to place the straw in their juice, and remind them NOT to throw away the reusable ice pack if you have one.

If your child will be walking to school with you go ahead and walk up there a few times.

If they will be riding the bus show them where their bus stop will be and talk about the rules they need to follow. If you can get the bus route and drive it with your child while having them sit on their bottoms quietly.

Tip: If your child is riding the bus be SURE to explain how to stay safe without wearing a seatbelt. My son was flabbergasted the first time he rode one and near hysterics since we’ve always emphasized the importance of not taking off a seatbelt while driving.

Read Books

We also found reading books about the first day of school to be helpful in getting him excited and lessening any fears. It gave him a chance to ask questions and learn about what he would be doing

Our favorites 4 were

The Night Before

Make sure they have a good meal then go ahead and let them be involved in the day before prep!

Have them help you put their outfit out for in the morning. Have them in the kitchen as you pack their lunch. Let them put their backpack by the door so it will be ready!

Then head to bed a little earlier than normal so you can soak up some cuddles and talk about how excited they are and any last minute thoughts they may have.

My son is full of questions and the night before Kindergarten was no exception!

If your kiddo has an extremely bad case of the first day jitters my son’s teacher had the brilliant idea of sending home small bags of “Jitter Glitter” from meet the teacher to help the kiddos sleep!

I won’t lie reading the little poem before bed felt special and the “magic” glitter worked like a charm.

Keep it Short and Sweet

This is the hard part.

The morning of is probably full of emotions. Excitement, nervousness, and fear run amuck and that most likely holds true for your child and you.

So make sure they have everything they need, give them a quick hug and tell them you know they will have an amazing day then split like your hair is on fire!

You think I am kidding but I stuck around for just a moment too long and suddenly it dawned on my son that I was ACTUALLY leaving.

The look he gave me had me about to burst into tears which would have made him cry as well. Luckily his teacher being the pro she is quickly ushered me out of the room before the water works began.

If you need to it’s okay to go cry in the car (I promise most of us have been there).

While Your Little One is at School

Keep your phone on ring and nearby but try not obsess over it every second. They WILL be okay!

Trust in the teacher and in your child.

If you are home keep yourself busy. If you are at work try to focus on all the tasks on hand. Try to think of all the fun they are probably having with their classmates and remember ALL of us (you included) made it through our first days!

After School

Last year after we were all home we had a special treat and talked about how his day was.

We didn’t ask too many questions but just let him tell us all about everything that had happened.

He had some new fears so we addressed those and talked about all the new friends he had made. Then we got ready for the next day and went to bed early. The next day I walked him to the school door but didn’t go inside and by then I knew this really would be okay!

I hope your child and YOU have an amazing first day. I know how nerve-wracking it can be but I promise it will be okay mama (just don’t forget the tissues just in case)!