All over Australia in the new few weeks, many thousands of 4, 5 and 6 year old children begin their journey through the school system, one that will likely continue until they are at least 17 years of age. This major life transition brings with it a lot of excitement, anxiety and sometimes tears, and we’re not just talking about the children! A good, positive start to school can help to set a child up for a successful school experience with good learning outcomes.

Surviving the first few weeks

Establish clear routines
The more predictable you can make things for your child the less anxiety they will feel. Have a good morning routine for school days that allows you to get out the door in plenty of time without having to rush. Help your child to understand the steps in the routine so they can develop some independence. A visual routine can really help to keep everyone on track. You could stick something like this on the fridge.

More of the same
There is comfort to be found in consistency. Little things like saying the same thing each morning when you say goodbye, always dropping them of in the same place, being in the same place to greet them in the afternoon. When you pick your child up, be on time. A few minutes waiting can seem like an eternity to them.

Forewarned is forearmed
If you need to vary the routine then let your child know as early as possible. If your child will be picked up by someone else in the afternoon, make sure they know that well in advance so they don’t get worried looking for you. If you know there will be something different happening at school that day like school photos or a special visitor, talk about it with them beforehand. All of this will reduce anxiety.

Label everything, and I mean everything!
Schools are big, busy places and it is easy for things to be misplaced. Make sure anything that gets lost has a better chance of finding its way back to your child with good quality labels. Even shoes should be labelled because occasionally they have to be taken off. Have you ever noticed how school shoes all look the same?

How was your day?
Some kids will be dying to tell you all about their day, while others will need some down time and resent you asking too many questions. Good discussions starters include “What did you learn today?” or “Who did you play with today?” If your child doesn’t feel like talking on the way home from school talk over the dinner table or at bedtime.

More routines.
Once you get home have another routine. This might include where to put their bag, emptying out any notes and uneaten food, changing out of their uniform, having a snack and later when to do homework. For those first few exhausting weeks try and avoid too many after-school, activities like shopping. Keep as many things as possible very predictable and consistent to reassure your child.

I don’t want to go to school today
Don’t be surprised if your child is reluctant to go to back to school after their first weekend off. That is a very common reaction to the realisation that school is not all about playing. You might experience a similar reaction on the first day of term 2!

Communication is the key
Let the teacher know if there is anything happening in your family that might cause your child to be upset at school. Tell them when you are happy as well as when you are concerned about what is happening at school. Children do best at school when their parents and teachers work together to support them.

Be positive
If you are worried about your child settling in at school, try not to let that show. They will look to you to tell them that everything will be OK. Tell them how confident you are that they will love school and be successful. Focus on the good things that are happening while listening to their concerns. If you believe they will be OK then they will soon start believing that too.