Preparing Your Preschooler for the Start of School

Marcia Kidd • June 30, 2022

Another school year will soon begin at MSL! With it comes the excitement of new friends and learning experiences, and sometimes a few butterflies. For our younger students, separation anxiety and tears are not uncommon, as children and parents alike are asked to hand over a bit of their trust to the teachers they will be working with throughout the school year.


What can you do over the coming weeks to prepare your preschooler for the back-to-school transition? 


Below are a few helpful suggestions:
  • Work to minimize separation anxiety by having your child stay for short periods of time with a family member or sitter.


  • Schedule the sitter on a day when your child is rested and experiencing a typical daily routine.


  • Explain to your child ahead of time that he will be staying with a sitter, that you will be gone just for a little while, and that you will be back soon. Speak positively about your child’s time with the sitter. Share what he might do there and that you will be so happy to see him when you return.


  • Give your child a hug before leaving and keep transitions short. Do not sneak away, as this may cause distrust. Return on time to avoid creating anxiety.


  • If your child handles a short separation well, you may begin to increase your time away by small increments.


  • Over the summer, drive or walk by MSL. Point out that this is where your son or daughter will soon join other boys and girls to learn lots of new things. Visit the school playground after 6:00 p.m. or on the weekend.


  • Allow your child to be a part of preparations for the start of school, choosing her lunch box, rain boots, and nap blanket.


  • Prepare your child for what to expect on the first days of school by sharing “My Going to School Book” or creating your own personalized version with photos of your child.


  • As we approach the first day of school, gradually begin to transition to your child’s back-to-school schedule.
  • Little by little, move bedtime and wake-up times 15 minutes earlier until your schedule allows adequate sleep for arrival at school between 7:45 and 8:05 a.m.


For additional reading on back-to-school transitions, please visit:


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