Preparation for first day at school

© DR

All parents worry about the day their child starts school, but it doesn't have to be a tearful occasion. 

If possible, before the first day, take your child to visit the school and meet the headteacher. Stay with them and explain what different places are for: "Here's where you take your shoes off, that's where the toys are kept, here's the area where you can take a nap with the other children", etc, etc.

A few days beforehand, talk about it positively: "School is great, you'll get to have fun, do lots of interesting things...you're becoming a big boy/girl!"

Go shopping with them to buy accessories for "big kids": a pencil case, a little apron, plimsolls, etc. If they want a school bag, let them have one - even if it doesn't get used, what it represents is important!

If you can, take a day or half-day off work because it's important for your child to feel that you're close at times like this. The night before the big day, put them to bed early and explain what time they need to get up.