Part 2: Emotional Readiness

Monarch
Aug 14
4 min read

You have already started getting your home and routines ready for the new school year. If you missed the first blog post in our series, Preparing Your Home and Routine for a Smooth School Year Start, check it out.

Starting a new school year can stir up a lot of emotions for kids—excitement, anxiety, curiosity, even sadness. For parents, it can be hard to watch your child struggle with worries or uncertainty. The good news? With some simple, parent-friendly strategies, you can help your child (and yourself) feel emotionally ready to face the school year with confidence and calm. In this post, we’ll explore why emotional preparation matters, what feelings to watch for, and practical ways to support your child through this big transition.

Why Emotional Readiness Matters

Emotions influence everything—from how well kids focus in class to how easily they make friends or ask for help. When children feel worried or overwhelmed, their brains are often too busy managing those feelings to learn or engage fully. By helping your child feel safe, understood, and prepared emotionally, you’re setting the stage for a smoother, more positive school experience.

1. Normalize the Feelings

Many kids feel a mix of emotions before school starts. It’s important to let your child know that all of these different emotions are completely okay and normal.

Try saying things like:

“It’s okay to feel nervous about something new.”
“Lots of kids feel excited and a little scared on the first day.”
“I’m here for you no matter what you’re feeling.”

This kind of validation shows your child that their feelings are real and accepted, not something to hide or be ashamed of.

2. Talk Openly About What to Expect

Sometimes fear comes from the unknown. If your child doesn’t know what to expect, their brain fills in the gaps with worries or worst-case scenarios.

How to help:

Share simple details about the school day, like who their teacher will be, what the lunchroom looks like, or what recess is like.
Use social stories or books about going back to school. There are many children’s books designed to talk through common school worries.
Look at photos or videos of the school, classroom, or bus (if available).
Attend an open house to see their new classroom, meet their teacher, and see who is in their class.

Knowing the basics helps kids build mental “maps” and reduces anxiety.

3. Practice Problem Solving Together

Empower your child by brainstorming solutions to common worries they might have.

Example worries and solutions:

Worry: “What if I don’t know anyone?”

Solution: “You can smile and say hello, or ask to play with a group. What are some ways you’d like to meet new friends?”
Worry: “What if I can’t find my classroom?”

Solution: “We can visit the school ahead of time, and I’ll help you practice finding your way.”

Turn these conversations into a game or role-play if your child enjoys that.

4. Build Confidence with Small Wins

Confidence grows from experiences where kids feel successful and capable.

Ideas to try:

Have your child practice packing their backpack or lunch the night before.
Encourage independent dressing and hygiene with gentle reminders and praise.
Celebrate small achievements, like waking up on time or remembering to bring a permission slip.

Positive reinforcement helps build self-esteem and reduces feelings of helplessness.

5. Create a Calming “Toolbox”

Help your child develop strategies for when they feel overwhelmed at school.

What to include:

Deep breathing exercises (breathe in for 4 seconds, out for 6 seconds)
Fidget toys or small comfort objects
A favorite calming phrase (“I can do this,” “It’s okay to take a break”)
Visual cues or cards they can show teachers if they need help

Practice these tools at home before school starts, so they feel familiar.

6. Maintain Open Communication

Keep the conversation going after school starts.

Ask open-ended questions like: “What was the best part of your day?” or “Did anything feel tricky today?”
Listen patiently—even if your child repeats worries. Sometimes just being heard helps.
Share your own stories about starting something new to model openness.

If your child expresses persistent fears or behavioral changes, consider reaching out to the school counselor or a therapist for extra support.

7. Involve Your Child in Back-to-School Decisions

Giving your child choices builds control and reduces anxiety.

Examples:

Let them choose their school supplies or lunchbox.
Ask what outfit they want to wear on the first day.
Talk about what kind of after-school activities they might enjoy.

When kids feel heard and involved, they’re more likely to feel excited and ready.

8. Manage Your Own Feelings

Kids pick up on their parents’ emotions. If you’re stressed or anxious about school starting, your child might feel that too.

How to stay grounded:

Talk about your own back-to-school feelings with a trusted friend or partner.
Practice self-care routines that calm you—like deep breathing, exercise, or quiet time.
Approach the school year with a positive mindset, focusing on opportunities rather than challenges.

Modeling calm and confidence gives your child permission to feel the same.

Emotional readiness isn’t about forcing your child to be “brave” or “tough.” It’s about creating a safe space for all feelings, offering support, and helping your child build tools to handle change and uncertainty. Starting school is a big deal for kids. With your love, patience, and simple strategies, you can help make it a positive and exciting new chapter.

The next part of our series will focus on organizing school supplies, homework, and study spaces

ADHD - Autism - Executive Functioning - Learning Disorders