We asked parents what they wish they knew before their school starter’s first day.
And this is a little of what they said: some top tips for parents, by parents
- Everyone’s in the same boat
- All parents in the playground are just as unsure and anxious as you are. You’re all learning together, so don’t be afraid to reach out and make friends—you’ll need that support network.
- Keep labelling simple
- Skip sewing on name labels. Use name stamps or stick-on labels for your child’s belongings to save time and effort.
- Prepare for school admin
- Expect lots of WhatsApp groups and school admin tasks. Stay organised and keep track of important dates like half terms.
- Keep essentials by the door
- Have spare socks, a toothbrush, and toothpaste ready by the door to avoid last-minute scrambles.
- Trust your child’s resilience
- Kids are more adaptable than we think. Resist the urge to check on them constantly–they’ll let you know if something’s wrong.
- Ask questions to get answers
- Instead of “How was your day?”, ask specific questions like “What was the kindest thing you did today?” or “What made you laugh at school?” to get more meaningful answers.
- Clear the schedule once school starts
- Don’t plan too much for the first weekend after school begins. Kids will be tired and need downtime to relax and adjust.
