The first day of school, whether it’s going back after summer or the literal first day for your child, is exciting. However, it can also cause your little one some anxiety. This is an important step in child development, so here are a few tips to help ease the jitters and make it a success.

How to Soothe Your Child

1. Help Them Express Their Feelings

Make sure they understand they can talk to you about their feelings. Avoid leading questions like, “Are you nervous about school?” Instead, focus more on open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about school?” Let them express their fears and then validate their emotions with empathy, including perhaps a story about your first day and how you handled it.

2. Prepare the Night Before

Once you’ve prepped as much as possible in the weeks leading up to the first day, prep the night before, too. Make sure backpacks are packed, lunches are made, and shoes are by the door. Avoiding the scramble of lost notebooks or socks will make the morning go smoothly and help your child start school with calmer energy.

3. Eliminate as Much Uncertainty as Possible

A lot of anxiety comes from the unknown but learning to handle it is an integral part of child development. Help your little one along by removing as much of it as you can. Run through the morning and afternoon routines with your child beforehand. If your early childhood education center or school provides class lists, see if you can get a copy, so your child knows who their classmates will be. If your preschool or childcare allows it, ask to visit the location before the first day to let your child familiarize themselves with the space. 

When you need the best childcare for your little one, rely on the experts at Great Beginnings in St. Charles and Cottleville, Missouri. This early childhood center specializes in child development, preschool education, and more in a safe, welcoming setting. With a balanced curriculum and licensed childcare instructors, there is no better place to give your child a head start. Call their St. Charles location at (636) 724-5048 or their Cottleville location at (636) 447-4212 for more information. You can also contact them online or follow them on Facebook.