4 Things to Keep In Mind When Your Child Starts School

In the blink of an eye, you got here — your child's first day of school is rapidly approaching. And, as much as your parenting books prepared you for their earlier milestones, this one feels like a completely different beast. 

That's because it is, both for you and your child. You're both on the cusp of a huge transition that's equal parts exciting and terrifying. Of course, as the grown-up, it's up to you to make it feel more like the former and less like the latter. 

To make that possible — and to ensure this step's as easy as it can be — you should prepare in advance for your child's first foray into academia. Here's what to keep in mind: 

1. Is Their Wardrobe Ready? 

Once your child gets to school, you won't be there to help them with zippers, buttons or laces. So, take a critical eye to their wardrobe and make sure they have simple duds, shoes and outerwear to rock on the playground. You can spend some time teaching your kiddo the basics of getting him or herself ready, too. You might have to show them with your own wardrobe, or make it so that they can easily reach and put on what they want to wear.

Don't worry if your child hasn't, say, learned to tie their shoes yet. Plenty of kindergarteners and first graders have yet to finesse this skill. If your child's still learning, opt for a pair of slip-on or Velcro shoes that they can easily put on themselves and voila — they've taken a little step toward independence. 

On that note, be sure to label all of your children's belongings, too. Their classmates will likely have the same shoes, lunchboxes, pencil cases and more. Popping a label into each item ensures there won't be a mix-up. 

2. Are They Still Napping or in Diapers? 

Once your child gets to elementary school, they probably won't have time for a midday nap anymore. You don't want your little one to be desperate for a nap in the middle of a lesson. Instead, you should start to phase out their afternoon snooze before school starts. 

Most of the time, children stop napping because they get all of the sleep they need at night. So, try putting your child to sleep earlier but waking them up at the same time. That way, they'll be even more well-rested and ready for a full day of school — no nap required. 

It's also worth mentioning that your child will have to be out of diapers and Pull-Ups by the time kindergarten rolls around. Sure, you can send them to school with an extra pair of clothes — accidents happen. You should also prepare your child for fewer potty breaks once real school starts. On top of that, they'll have to take themselves to the toilet. Prepare at home by having them go on their own and closing the door, as they will have to at school.

3. Do They Have Too Much On Their Plate? 

Going to school for the first time is exciting for children, but it can also be overwhelming. They spend most of the day engaged with their teacher or classmates — and it takes a lot out of them to be "on." So, don't overload their schedule of activities, especially during the first half of their first school year. Chances are, they'll want — and need — to come home and relax at the end of the day. 

This tip will prove to be especially vital for kiddos who are shy by nature. Shifting from the comfort of home to a new environment like school will be even more tiring for them. Not only should you carve out time for these little ones to chill, but you should also expect a few fatigue-induced meltdowns in the future. Be sympathetic toward them, as interacting with 25 other people all day long isn't their nature. 

4. How Will I Know That Everything's Okay? 

Talking to your kids and pepping them up pre-kindergarten can be a double-edged sword. Some kids want to know what's ahead — it'll make them excited. Others will feel daunted by the road ahead, and talking about it will only enhance those fears. If you sense your child falls into the latter category, talk instead about what worries they have. Do your best to assuage those fears so that school doesn't feel as terrifying to its newest student. 

Once your child starts school, continue to talk to them about their experiences. What did they do that day? Who are their friends? What did they learn? You'll probably get some comical answers to these questions. You'll also gain valuable insight into how much your child enjoys school thus far. 

In most cases, though, your little one won't tell you outright if something's wrong or if they dislike school. In that case, brush up on the signs that they're unhappy in their current classroom. Perhaps they refuse to go to school or fail to progress academically. These cases are rare, but it's vital that you know how to pinpoint a child's distress through their behavior. That way, you can help fix it — and put both you and your little one at ease.

Get School-Ready

It's hard to believe that your baby's headed to school, but it's time for them to get on the bus and go. With your thoughtful consideration, you can both feel ready for the big day — although we still think you should bring some tissues to drop-off, just in case. In all seriousness, the start of school marks the beginning of an incredible period of learning and growing for your child. With the right steps, you can feel good about sending your baby onto academia and enjoy the growth that follows.