As your  little one gets ready to embark on their first steps into the world of school, here are some tips to help both you and your child navigate this new chapter. From school uniforms to dealing with teary-eyed farewells, here's some ideas you might not have thought of.
 

1  - Adjust the Routine Gradually

Start adjusting your child's routine a couple of weeks before school begins. Gradually move bedtime and wake-up time to sync with the school schedule. It will make those early mornings a tad easier – for both of you!

2 - Making new Friends

Arrange playdates with other children, especially those who will be in the same class. Check if there's a facebook groups set up, and if there's not already, think about starting one so that you and your little one can begin making new friends, ready to greet familiar faces at the school gates when school starts.

3 - Shopping for supplies 

Take your child along for a shopping spree to pick out school supplies. Let them choose a special lunchbox or a favourite  water bottle. This little touch of personalisation can help them feel a little more in control, and a little less anxious. Don't forget to check out these money saving tips when hunting for affordable school uniform. 

4 - Dress rehearsal

Make sure your child tries on their uniform during the holidays to make sure everything fits and feels comfortable, and so that you've got plenty of time if the shoes are too tight, or the cardigan too scratchy. Get them to practice putting on their clothes and shoes on their own without a grown up helping them. 

5 - Visit the School

Hopefully your school will be all over this, you'll have gone in together, met the teacher, seen the classroom and lots of fears will have been disbanded. Even so, it might be worth walking to the school gates and having a little peek through once more a few days before school starts, so that you can refresh their memory (and yours) about what will the new routine will be. 

6 - Embrace aaaaaaall the emotions

Excited? Nervous? Sad? It's probably just as true for you as it is for your child. It's okay for everyone to feel a mix of emotions about starting school. Encourage them to express their feelings – whether it's excitement, nervousness, or a little bit of both. Let them know it's natural and that you're there to support them.

7. Special Morning Rituals: 

Create a special morning routine that you both can enjoy. It could be a few minutes of reading a book, sharing a favourite breakfast, or a game you play on the way to school. This ritual can be something to look forward to every morning, and ease the transition. 

8. Celebrate the Milestone: 

The first day of school is a milestone worth celebrating. Plan a little after-school surprise – whether it's a favourite snack waiting at home or a fun activity to enjoy together. And remember - never bother asking how their day was. You're unlikely to get much information out of them. Instead focus on targeted questions - who did you play with? What was for lunch? etc. And focus on playfulness to up the connection.

9 - Emotional Labour Sharing: 

A new stage in your life opens up an opportunity to get more equal with spread the mental load evenly. Delegate tasks to other family members. Encourage the kids to be responsible for their school essentials as young as possible. There's no need for all the tasks to fall onto one person in a two adult family. 

10 - Reassesing your Goals: 

Starting school can be a time for Mums especially to reassess where they're at with their goals and passions. Whether it's going for a promotion at work, picking up a hobby, pursuing further education, or reviving a long-lost passion, make time for yourself. Your pursuits outside of parenting matter.