Easing Into a Successful School Year

By Alex Ochoa, LCS, FSG Staff Therapist

Starting a new school year can bring a mix of emotions including excitement and nervousness. Preparing ourselves and our children well before the first day of school can make a big difference. The weeks before school begins are just as important as the first day itself. Families who begin adjusting routines in advance set their children up for a successful transition.

One of the biggest disruptions during summer is a shifted sleep schedule. Families can help their children adjust by slowly moving bedtime and wake-up time to align with the school-year schedule. Start two weeks ahead in small 15–20-minute increments so the child’s internal clock has time to adjust without the shock of an abrupt change. It also helps to gradually reintroduce routine as summer often means looser schedules. Reintroducing consistent mealtimes, homework windows, and wind-down routines before the first day of school allows children to re-acclimate without feeling overwhelmed on day one.

Another area to explore before the first day of school is social interactions. Parents can do this by having open conversations about what their children can expect on day one, including new teachers, new classrooms, and new peers. Letting kids voice their worries or excitement gives parents a chance to address concerns early, rather than scrambling with first-day nerves. Parents can create excitement for their children’s first day of school by helping them prepare their school supplies and attending welcome nights at their school. If possible, arranging a playdate or outing with classmates before school starts can also help, since familiar faces on day one makes a significant difference in a child's comfort level.

It is also important for parents to try and model a sense of calm and confidence, as children can pick up on parental stress. Approaching the transition with patience and positivity, even amid the chaos of preparation, helps children feel secure and excited rather than anxious. Ultimately, small steps taken in the final weeks of summer can make the difference between a rocky first week and an exciting and confident one.