Starting School: A Connected Approach and Tips for Parents
Starting school is a significant milestone—for your child and for you. At Connected Childhood, we understand the blend of excitement and apprehension this transition brings. As parents, experienced teachers and accredited play therapists, we’re here to support you with compassionate, practical strategies rooted in play, mindfulness and connection.
Between now and the end of August : Laying the Foundation and Easing Transitions
Helping your Child Separate from you
This is something that might need work over the summer months, we have a list of activities called Love Connectors that we can send you. Please email us at support@connectedchildhood.com and we will share lots of strategies with you.
The important thing is to start early using the strategies so that when it is time to start school these strategies are part of your normal daily routine and your child is very comfortable using them.
There are also a number of books listed on our website that will help children on this topic, The Invisible String and The Kissing Hand are firm favourites. Children love repetition and in fact they need it, so if they have a favourite story that deals with this topic read it over and over again.
Our Mindfulness Resources offer FREE practices and guidance to ground yourself during transitions, these can be practised during the summer.
🏠 Visit the School Together
Familiarity breeds comfort. Attend any orientation sessions offered or arrange a visit to explore the classroom, playground and other facilities. This shared experience can ease anxieties and build excitement.
If its not possible to go to attend, drive by the school, walk around the outside of it, let the school become familiar to your child before they start.
What you are doing is removing the threat of the unknown and giving your child the opportunity to visualise themselves in their new school / classroom / playground.
Mid to late August – Establish Gentle Routines
Begin adjusting bedtime and wake-up times to align with the school schedule. Practice morning rituals together—laying out clothes, packing the school bag and discussing the day’s plan—to create a sense of predictability and security.
The Practical piece
Practise opening and closing their lunch box and their water bottle and putting on their own coat. Chat about what will go into the lunch box and the water bottle, the school may have a healthy eating policy and no nut policy, so familiarise yourself with these.
The school may provide lunches for your child, if so there may be some information about the lunch provider on the website. Familiarise yourself with the choice and chat about it with your child.
Can your child use the toilet independently? Lots of children hold their poo until they come home from school, so know that this is normal!
Nurture Social Skills
Engage in role-playing games that involve sharing, turn-taking and following instructions. Snakes and ladders, x’s and o’s, jigsaws, playing cards, any of these games are great. These playful interactions can help your child navigate social dynamics in the classroom.
The First Day: Embracing the Transition
Create a Calm Morning Routine
Aim for a peaceful start to the day. Allow ample time for breakfast, dressing and travel to school. A connected morning can set a positive tone for your child’s day.
Acknowledge Your Emotions
It’s natural to experience a mix of feelings as your child starts school. Recognizing and accepting your emotions can help you support your child in doing the same. If you are a little nervous it is ok to say that to your child, you will be giving them a word for how they may be feeling. Use your own breathe and movement to regulate yourself and your child will follow your lead. Look for things in the environment that are familiar for your child. Remind them about the time you visited.
Plan for a Warm Goodbye
Discuss the drop-off routine in advance, reminding them that over the summer you have been practising your goodbyes. Keep the goodbye brief and reassuring. Trust that the teacher will mind your child and keep them safe, that’s their job and your child needs to feel this sense of trust from you, so please don’t hang around looking in windows or doors, let your child off with their teacher and go and do something nice for yourself .
Let your child know who will be picking them up and when, so that they know what to expect.
🏠 After School: Supporting Adjustment
Offer a Safe Space to Decompress
After a day filled with new experiences, your child may need time to unwind. Create a cosy environment where they can relax, play, or share about their day at their own pace. Try and refrain from asking lots of questions, they will be exhausted and asking questions might just throw them over the edge!
Consistent Routines
Consistency provides comfort. Continue with established routines for meals, play and bedtime. This stability helps your child feel secure amidst new experiences.
Stay Connected with the School
Engage with your child’s teacher to stay informed about their progress and experiences. Is there anything your teacher needs to know about your child? If so tell them. Many schools use Aladdin to communicate with parents and your child’s teacher will check their messages every day.
The school will provide you with an email for your child’s teacher, if there is something your teacher needs to know please share it with them via this email service. It is really hard for a teacher to discuss a child with a parent in the morning or in the afternoon at home time.
Support from Connected Childhood
We blend our expertise in teaching and play therapy to empower you with strategies that nurture connection and resilience.
Remember, starting school is a journey for both you and your child. With patience, playfulness and connection, you can navigate this new chapter together.
