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Child's first day at school

The bag, the morning, goodbyes and the first weeks. A calm start for the child and for you.

25 items · 5 sections · kids, family, home, packing

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A week before (5)

  • Visit the school and walk the route, so it feels familiar
  • Practise the morning: wake up, breakfast, dress, leave on time
  • Read a story about starting school
  • Move bedtime earlier, so they get 10 to 12 hours of sleep
  • Fill in forms: health, allergies, emergency contacts, pick-up people

The night before (5)

  • Pack the school bag: lunch box, water bottle, spare clothes, tissues
  • Name every item: clothes, bag, bottle, shoes
  • Lay out clothes and shoes
  • Check what the school asked for: books, stationery, forms
  • Keep the evening calm and go to bed on time

The morning (6)

  • Get up early and have a proper breakfast
  • Take a photo at the door, if your child likes it
  • Arrive 10 minutes early
  • Tell them who will pick them up, and when
  • Say goodbye clearly and cheerfully, and then go
  • A short goodbye ritual helps: a hug and a wave

If they cry (4)

  • Stay calm and give a quick hug: don't sneak away
  • Trust the teacher; they have seen this many times
  • Call the school later in the morning if you are worried
  • Do not make big promises you can't keep

After school (5)

  • Greet them with a snack and a hug
  • Ask open questions: "What made you laugh today?"
  • Don't push if they don't want to talk; let them rest
  • Expect tiredness and some tears for the first 2 weeks
  • Talk to the teacher if worries last for more than a few weeks

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