Helping Your Child (and Yourself) Transition Smoothly Into the New School Year

As summer draws to a close, many families find themselves navigating the sometimes-bumpy transition into a new school year. This period often comes with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and big emotions—for both children and parents. Preparing thoughtfully can help ease worries and set the tone for a successful and positive year ahead.

One way to help your family adjust is by framing the transition as something special and positive. Consider ending the summer on a fun note with a family activity—a day trip, picnic, or something from your family’s go-to fun list. Present it as a celebration of the summer you’ve enjoyed together and a kickoff for what will hopefully be a wonderful school year. When talking about school, focus on the positives: new experiences, opportunities to grow, and the exciting unknown. Children pick up on your emotional tone, so if you model confidence and optimism, they’re more likely to feel the same.

Another great way to build excitement is to involve your child in preparations. Let them pick out school supplies, a new backpack, or something special that helps them feel invested in the upcoming year. To help ease into a new schedule, it is helpful to start beforehand, to avoid feeling pressured. A week or so before school starts, begin transitioning into the school-year routine. Adjust bedtime and wake-up schedules early so the new rhythm feels familiar by the first day. Talk through what a typical school day will look like—this helps establish expectations and eases anxiety.

It’s also important to acknowledge the emotional side of starting school. The beginning of a new year can be bittersweet; children often feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Help them identify and name their emotions. When parents model naming their own feelings—saying things like, “I feel a little nervous about the changes, too”—children learn healthy ways to express themselves. Labeling emotions can minimize meltdowns and behavioral outbursts by giving kids words for their experiences.

Inevitably, many children are naturally prone to worries when it comes to beginning something new. Worries about the new year come in many forms. Some children feel nervous about making friends or fitting in; others may experience separation anxiety or more general anticipatory anxiety. Create a safe space for your child to share their concerns by listening, validating their feelings, and praising them for talking about what’s on their mind. Daily check-ins are valuable not just at the start of the year but throughout it. Open-ended questions spark conversation much better than yes-or-no ones—try asking, “What was your favorite part of the day?” or “Who did you sit with at lunch?” instead of “How was school?”

As the school year starts to progress, it is important to keep an eye out for red flags such as excessive withdrawal, frequent meltdowns, or changes in behavior. These may signal that your child needs additional support adjusting.

Finally, don’t forget to plan ahead for your own sanity as a parent. Organize transportation, meals, and after-school routines in advance. A predictable morning and evening structure helps everyone feel grounded and makes space for you to be emotionally available to your child.

Starting a new school year is a big milestone. With preparation, positivity, and open communication, you can help your child (and yourself) begin with confidence and resilience. Wishing you and your family much success and joy as you embark on this next chapter.