Tips For The First Day At School

That very first day at school is one of those parenting milestones - big emotions, tiny uniforms, and a thousand thoughts running through your head. Whether it’s your eldest, your youngest, or somewhere in between, this moment can feel as nerve-wracking for you as it does for them.

If you’re feeling a bit wobbly, you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to have a head full of questions and a heart full of feelings. Will they be okay? Have I packed everything? What if I cry before they do? Don’t worry - we’ve got you with these practical parenting tips to nail the first day at school!

This first day of school guide is here to help things feel a little easier and make that first day of school go as smoothly as possible. From calming the morning chaos to making drop-off a little less daunting, we’ll walk you through some back to school tips step by step, with practical advice and gentle reassurance along the way.

Morning Routines That Work

A smooth morning can set the tone for the whole day - and on the first day at school, that calm start can make all the difference.

The key is routine. Even if your little one’s never had to be out the door by 8:30am before, practising the rhythm of a school morning can really help them (and you) feel more prepared. In the week leading up to the big day, try shifting bedtimes and wake-ups gradually, so that by the time school starts, early mornings aren’t such a shock to the system.

Think in steps, and make it visual if needed: wake-up, breakfast, wash and teeth, get dressed, shoes on, bag ready, out the door. Some parents swear by simple picture charts or learn how to make a family morning routine checklist - they’re great for helping children feel independent and in control.

Keep breakfast straightforward and familiar, and have uniform and bags laid out the night before to cut down on morning faff. If there are any decisions to make (packed lunch or school dinner, which shoes to wear), try to sort them ahead of time.

And remember, mornings don’t need to be perfect! They just need to work for your family.

What to Pack (and How to Keep It All Together)

When it comes to the first day at school, packing smart can really help things feel calmer - for both of you. You can take a look at our back to school checklist for a rundown of everything you need to think of, but for now here’s a basic starting point of what most children will need:

Keep it light and manageable - especially for smaller children who might struggle with big, heavy bags. And when it comes to making sure everything comes back again?

That’s where name labels come in. Adding a simple label to each item - from jumpers to water bottles - helps avoid mix-ups, lost property piles, and those frantic searches at pick-up time. Our iron-on name labels are ideal for clothing, and name stickers work brilliantly for lunchboxes, bottles, shoes and more.

It’s a tiny job that saves so much stress later - and gives your child a little sense of ownership over their belongings too.

Easing Those First Day of School Nerves

It’s perfectly natural for little ones to feel a bit nervous about the first day at school - and let’s be honest, plenty of parents feel the same. It could be butterflies in the tummy, worries about making friends, or just uncertainty about what the day will look like - whatever it is, those feelings are completely valid.

One of the best ways to ease the jitters is through gentle familiarity. If you’re able to visit the school ahead of time, take a walk past the gates or spend a few minutes looking through photos on the school’s website. At home, letting your child help pack their school bag or choose their lunch can give them a small sense of control - and that often helps ease nerves.

Talking things through makes a huge difference too. You don’t need to overdo it - just keeping the conversation open and relaxed helps children feel safe asking questions. Let them know it’s okay to feel a bit unsure, and reassure them that teachers are there to help every step of the way.

Sometimes, just being heard is all they need!

The Goodbye Moment

Saying goodbye on the first morning is a moment many parents dread - especially if emotions are running high. But while it might tug on the heartstrings, a short and positive goodbye is often the best approach.

Keep it calm, confident, and upbeat. Try not to drag it out, even if your child clings or cries - it’s incredibly hard, but teachers are brilliant at guiding little ones gently into the classroom and helping them settle quickly.

Having a goodbye ritual can help: a special hug, a wave at the window, or a short phrase you use every time. The consistency brings comfort, and over time, it becomes part of your child’s own routine.

And once they’re inside, chances are they’ll be happily engaged in five minutes flat.

What Happens Next?

You’ve done it - they’re in! But now what?

The post-drop-off rollercoaster can catch many parents off guard. One moment you’re relieved, the next you’re missing them like mad. It’s normal to feel a mix of pride, worry and even sadness - this is a big step for you too.

Whether you’re heading straight to work or heading home to a quiet house, it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. If you can, try to carve out a small moment for yourself - even just a cuppa or a few deep breaths can help reset. And if it helps, connect with other parents - chances are they’re feeling the exact same.

When pick-up time rolls around, your child might not give much away - or they might come out full of stories. Either way, keep questions light and open-ended: “What was your favourite part of today?” is a good start.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

That first day of school is just the beginning - and before long, it’ll be part of the everyday rhythm.

Take a moment to feel proud. You’ve helped your child take a huge step towards independence, learning and all the adventures school life brings. There will be ups and downs, of course, but with a little preparation, lots of love, and some patience, you’re giving them exactly what they need to thrive!