Your child’s first day at school is a big milestone—both for them and for you as a parent. It can be a mix of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation, but with a little preparation, you can help your child feel confident and ready for this new adventure. From organizing supplies to labeling school clothes, here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth start.

Talk About What to Expect

Starting school can be an overwhelming experience for a young child. Sit down and talk with your little one about what they can expect. Discuss the fun activities they’ll do, the friends they’ll meet, and the teacher who will guide them. You can always use picture books or videos about the first day of school to give them a visual understanding of what’s ahead. During this discussion, make sure to encourage your child to ask questions and answer them positively to build excitement. Reassuring them that it’s okay to feel a little nervous and that you’ll be there to hear all about their day when they return will also help.

Visit the School Ahead of Time

If possible, visit the school together before the first day. Familiarizing your child with their classroom, playground, and other facilities can help ease anxiety. Let them explore, meet their teacher, or even spot their name on a cubby or desk. This familiarity will help them feel more comfortable when the big day arrives.

Organize School Supplies

Ensure you have all the necessary supplies ready before the first day. Schools often provide a list of items such as pencils, crayons, notebooks, and glue sticks, but you will still need a sturdy backpack, a lunchbox, and a water bottle. Let your child participate in choosing these supplies—they’ll feel excited to use their favorite colors or themed items in class.

Label Everything

Children can easily lose or mix up their belongings, especially when they’re just getting used to a new routine. Labeling your child’s school clothes, as well as other personal items, is essential to ensure that the teacher or other parents quickly return lost items to you. While you could write their name in a marker, this isn’t always the clearest to read. Therefore, the best option is to get clothes labels for kids that stick to the items you need. There’s no need to get the iron out or risk the pen being unclear to read.

Be sure to label jackets, sweaters, gym clothes, hats, and even shoes—children often leave these behind during playtime. Use full names or initials depending on what works best for your family.

Plan a School Routine

Start adjusting your daily routine a week before school starts. Set a regular bedtime to ensure your child gets enough sleep and wakes up refreshed. You and your child might even like to do a practice run of things. Practice the morning routine, including getting dressed, having breakfast, and leaving the house on time. This will help your child understand the flow of the day and reduce stress on the first morning.

Pack a Nutritious Lunch and Snacks

If your child will be bringing lunch to school, plan nutritious, easy-to-eat options they enjoy. Bento boxes or sectioned lunchboxes can make food more appealing. Include familiar snacks, such as fruit slices, cheese sticks, or crackers, to help your child feel at ease.