Tiny Backpacks, Big Feelings: Sending Your Child to School for the First Time

The backpacks are tiny, the shoes still light up, and somehow your child looks both incredibly grown-up and impossibly small all at once. Sending your kid to school for the first time is a big milestone—for them and for you. It’s exciting, emotional, and maybe just a little overwhelming (okay, sometimes a lot).

From practicing lunchbox skills to talking through what a school day looks like, getting ready isn’t just about supplies—it’s about building confidence. With a little preparation, a lot of reassurance, and a few deep breaths, you can help your child walk into their first day feeling safe, capable, and proud. And yes, it’s okay if you need a moment after the drop-off—you’ve both earned it.

To help you navigate how to prepare your child for school, we have enlisted the help of Krissy Smith. Before becoming a home daycare provider to spend more time with her own children, Krissy spent more than 10 years teaching kindergarten at a local elementary school. She has certifications in childhood education and special education from birth to 6th grade.

What sort of physical skills should parents work on with their kids before the first day?

The best way to build up strength is to get outside and play! Bad weather? Try the bouncy house or the local fast food play place. Before starting school, little ones should have some exposure to different learning materials like crayons, pencils, and scissors. You can also help your child to develop their fine motor skills through play by using Play-Doh, building with blocks, or even playing in the sandbox. Building up their fine and gross motor strength will help them to learn new skills like writing their name or opening their lunch by themselves.

What should kids know before going to school?

Communication skills are the foundation of early literacy. Before coming to school, children should know how to communicate appropriately with others, whether it’s singing along to a song, chiming in during story time or playing with neighbors and siblings. Some other academic skills that can be practiced at home are recognizing their name, finding the letters in their name, and counting out loud.

What can parents do to help kids have a smooth transition?

Being a part of a community is often a new experience at this age. A difficult transition for many kids is going from being one of a few kids at home, to being one of many kids in a classroom. Children are learning to share toys with others, clean up after themselves and care for their belongings. Finding ways for your child to participate in a group before beginning school can help. Youth clubs, sports programs, or group play dates are always beneficial for kids!

What sort of routines should they get in or out of the habit of before school starts?

One thing that can be helpful for kids both emotionally and developmentally is to practice getting ready for their day. Activities like packing their backpacks, picking out their clothes for the next day or making a daily schedule can help kids to learn responsibility and independence. It also helps them prepare mentally for their day ahead and frontloads them with any changes or transitions coming up.

Transitions can be tough, especially when it is unexpected. Asking a child to leave a preferred activity (like playing with blocks) to do a non-preferred activity (like eating dinner) can be difficult. These transitions happen frequently in school. You can help prepare your child by giving them a small job to complete around the house before they play or using a timer to signal when they will have to clean up their toys.

What are some of the best things families can do to help the transition to school for the first time?

The best way to help your child transition to school for the first time is to talk positively about the experience. Tell them how they will play with friends, read stories and learn new things. Tell them you can’t wait to see what they create at school. Your child may not understand what to expect at school, so they will look to you for guidance. If you are open-minded and optimistic about this new experience, you are setting your child up for success!

Do you have any other advice for parents sending their kids off to school for the new year?

The internet is your friend! Not sure how to incorporate learning and play? Search for preschool activities online! There are many inexpensive and fun ways to help your child learn.

You know your child best. Be sure to stay connected with your child’s teacher and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You and their teacher should be working together to set your child up for success.

If someone only takes 3 things away from this, what would you want them to be?

1. Many practical skills can be practiced before the first day of school.
2. Make it fun! Learning through play is a great way to bond with your child while also preparing them for school.
3. If you need ideas, search for preschool activities online or connect with your child’s teacher.