Starting school is a big milestone — for little ones and their grown-ups too. Whether your child is starting junior infants or preschool, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves.
Here are 5 simple ways to gently prepare your child for this big step:
1. 📚 Read Together
Books are such a powerful way to introduce new experiences. Choose stories about starting school and talk about what your child sees and feels. It helps them imagine what their own school day might be like and opens up space for questions.
Our Starting School StorySack includes two wonderful story options chosen especially for this moment.
2. 🧸 Play School at Home
Let your child take the lead in pretend play. Set up a little classroom with teddies, use lunchboxes, or practice a “goodbye” routine at the door. Play helps make the unfamiliar feel safe and fun.
3. 😊 Talk About Feelings
It’s natural for your child to feel nervous — and talking about it helps. Try using emotion flashcards or simple phrases like:
“It’s okay to feel a bit wobbly. That just means you’re doing something new and brave.”
4. 🎒 Visit or Walk Past the School
If you can, visit the school together or walk by it regularly. Spotting their classroom windows or seeing the playground makes it feel more familiar when the big day comes.
5. 🕒 Create a Simple Morning Routine
Start introducing a morning routine a week or two before school begins — including breakfast, getting dressed, and packing their bag. A calm, predictable start helps children feel more secure and in control.
💛 Final Thought
Every child adjusts in their own time. What matters most is that they feel loved, supported, and heard. Keep things gentle, repeat routines, and give lots of cuddles — you’ve got this.
