Starting school is a big milestone—for children and their families. Whether it’s the first year of primary school or a new school altogether, the transition can be exciting, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming. The good news? There’s a lot families can do to ease the adjustment and help kids feel confident, calm, and ready to learn.

Here are 10 simple, effective strategies to support your child’s smooth start to school:

1. Keep Lunchboxes Simple and Familiar
Avoid surprises at lunchtime. Pack foods your child already enjoys and can open easily. Nutritious, bite-sized portions of fruit, sandwiches, and snacks work well. Save the gourmet experiments for weekends! Recess & Lunch feel like short moments for play so food can be at the end of the “priority list”.

2. Establish an Early Dinner Routine
Eating dinner early (around 4:40-5:30 PM) will ensure your child has a meal before they fall asleep. The first few terms your child may be heading off to bed earlier than normal as they are extremely tired! It also creates space for family connection and con-versation about their day.

3. Stick to a Consistent Bedtime
A predictable sleep schedule is key. Aim for 10–12 hours of sleep depending on age, and start winding down at least 30 minutes before lights out. A calming bedtime routine—bath, book, cuddle—helps signal it’s time to rest.

4. Practice the Morning Routine
Rehearse school mornings before the term starts. Lay out uniform, pack bags, and do a “dry run” of breakfast and getting out the door. This builds confidence and reduces first-day jitters.

5. Talk About What to Expect
Read books about starting school, attend orientation days, visit the school grounds– its great to talk about where the toilets are in relation to their classroom, and chat about what a typical day might look like. Normalise feelings of nervousness and excitement.

6.Limit After-School Activities (At First)
While extracurriculars are great, too many too soon can overwhelm a child adjusting to school. Start slow—maybe introduce one activity per week after 2-3 terms —and build up once they’ve settled.

7. Personal Hygiene
Your child will be taking themselves off to the bathroom with minimal assistance. It is important they know how to toilet them-selves including good hand washing. You can practice this at home.

8. Encourage Open Communication
Ask open-ended questions like “What was something fun you did today?” or “Was there anything tricky?” Listen without rushing to fix—just being heard helps kids process their experiences.

9. Create a Calm Home Environment
After a stimulating day, kids need downtime. Keep evenings low-key with quiet play, drawing, or reading. Avoid overstimulating screens or noisy activities right before bed.

10. Be Patient and Positive
Settling in takes time. Celebrate small wins, offer reassurance, and stay upbeat—even if your child has a few wobbly days. Your calm presence is their anchor.

Starting school is a journey, not a sprint. With a little planning and a lot of love, families can make this transition smoother and more joyful for everyone 🙂