The Key Things to Include in Your Child’s First Day of School Checklist

How To Prepare For Your Childs First Day Of School

Having all the necessary supplies ready is one of the most important steps involved in preparing your child to join school for the very first time. Normally, this would include a backpack, a lunch box, a water bottle, and proper school supplies including but not limited to pencils, erasers, crayons, and notebooks. Set each one apart from the rest belonging to other children by making sure each is clearly labeled with your child’s name. Other items your child might wear that need labeling are jackets, hats, and sweaters especially when your child will go to a daycare or an afterschool program which would necessitate him or her to change into or out of certain clothes. This relieves a great amount of pressure from the last-minute scurrying around on the big day.

Establish a Morning Routine

Getting your child into a morning routine is crucial for a smooth start of his or her day at school. An excellent routine will give your child a notion of precisely what to expect, and this is a security given to them. Have your child start each day by laying out clothes the night before so they are not running around in the morning. Advance breakfast options, create a set timeline of how the morning should unravel-be it getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, or putting on shoes. The less stressful and smoother the morning, the better you and your child will feel when leaving the door, setting them off right for the school day.

Check Your Child’s School Schedule

Be clear about your child’s school schedule: the start and closing times and other extracurricular activities like gymnastics, art, or music classes. Once you comprehend the routine, you shall be better equipped to organize your child’s day in a more organized fashion so that something does not fall between the cracks. Check also if there are any special drop-off or pick-up instructions, especially if the school has particular rules concerning the first day or any events to take place soon. Knowing such in advance will help you be confident and perhaps minimize possible stress on the day.

Pack a Healthy Lunch and Snacks

A healthy lunch and snacks are an important part of the energy and attention your child will be investing during the day at school. Make sure you add a healthy meal according to the preference list of your child, but pay attention to school restrictions as well because some schools may have a policy against bringing certain food in school. You want fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and a source of protein food for keeping them energized throughout the day at school. Don’t forget to add a drink, such as water or a juice box. If your child has any food allergies, make sure the school is aware and you have labeled all the different food items so that there is no mix up at lunchtime. Keeping things simple, easy to eat also makes for a stress-free lunchtime for your child.

Review Emergency Information and Health Requirements

Before your child actually sets off to school, check that all emergency contact information is updated. This would also include giving the school any medical allergies or current medications your child might be taking so they can be cared for throughout the day. Some schools may require certain immunizations or other health records, too. Having all necessary paperwork complete will give one peace of mind, knowing that your child is well set in their new environment. It’s also important to use daycare labels to identify your child’s items, such as their extra clothes or personal belongings, to ensure they are easily identifiable and avoid any confusion with other children’s items.

Discuss First Day Expectations with Your Child

One of the most significant ways you can soothe their anxieties is to talk about what to expect on their first day: talk with him about what the school day will look and feel like, from making new friends to learning new things. Also, encourage questions and share apprehensions with you, too. You can also work on some of these skills through some role-playing: saying goodbye at drop-off, raising their hand to talk in class. This will make your child feel much more confident and prepared for facing the day positively.

A good night’s sleep is an important recipe your child needs to maintain physical and mental well-being, especially on the night before their first day at school. Ensure that they retire to bed sufficiently early to have a full night’s rest, as this should provide them with the added freshness and energy. You could establish a bedtime routine that would help your child wind down, like reading a bedtime story or even playing some soothing music. This way, when he gets a proper night’s sleep, he would be in a better position to handle all the excitement and new sights he would come across on his first day.

*This is a collaborative post