Starting school is a huge milestone — for your child, and for you. It’s exciting and nerve-wracking all at once, as your child heads off to “big school” and takes their first steps toward independence. Between us, the MyKidsTime team have lived through more than a dozen first days of school, so we’ve gathered our best, tried-and-tested tips to help you both get through it. Deep breaths — you’ve got this.
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#1. Label Everything
From lunch boxes to pencils, label everything your child takes to school. Most parents remember books, jumpers and jackets, but items like pencil cases and lunch bags can look identical to everyone else’s — and a mix-up can really upset a child on day one.
Personalised name labels — the kind with fun pictures rather than just text — are especially handy for children who can’t yet read their own name, and tend to be durable enough to survive a full school year.
You may also like 10 Back to School Tips to Overcome First Day Nerves
#2. Sleep
We know it’s hard to keep to a bedtime routine over the summer holidays, and the excitement of starting school doesn’t help. But a well-rested child copes far better with a big first day.
In the run-up to the start of term, try easing bedtime back gradually so the shock isn’t too sudden on the first morning.
You may also like — 5 Sleep Routine Tips for Back to School and Top Tips for Getting Your Kids to Sleep Well
#3. Breakfast
A good breakfast helps concentration and keeps energy levels up until the first break. On the first morning, treat them to their favourite breakfast, or have some fun with pancakes in fun shapes.
You may also like — Simple Morning Hacks to Make Life Easier and 10 Quick and Healthy Breakfast Ideas — That Aren’t Porridge
#4. Lunch
Involve your child in choosing their lunch box and what goes in it. Make sure they can open it — and their drinks bottle — easily by themselves, and stick to foods they already know and like.
A little note tucked into the lunch box on the first day, even just a small heart, can be a lovely surprise and a reminder that you’re thinking of them.
Check your school’s food policy before you pack, as many schools are strict about what’s allowed (fizzy drinks, sweets and nuts are common no-gos), so it’s worth knowing the rules before day one rather than after.
Check out these parent recommendations — The Best School Bags, The Best Lunch Boxes, 100 Healthy Kids Lunch Box Ideas and Lunchbox Hacks
#5. Books
In Ireland, primary schools now provide books, copybooks and workbooks free of charge as part of the free schoolbooks scheme. These books are usually loaned rather than owned outright, so they belong to the school and will need to be handed back at the end of the year — it’s worth explaining this to your child so they know to take care of them.
It’s still a good idea to cover books in clear plastic so your child can recognise their own cover and pick out the right book when asked. And a gentle heads-up helps too: many of these books will be kept in the classroom rather than coming home each day, so your child won’t be caught off guard when their teacher collects them in.
Recommended Reading: 14 Easy Ways You Can Help Your Child Settle at School
#6. Be Organised
Pack school bags the night before and lay out their clothes so there’s no rushing about — or extra stress — on the first morning.
Set your alarm a little earlier than you think you need to, so there’s time for any first-day wobbles, plus a few extra minutes to get dressed and put together that special breakfast.
Relaxed and unhurried is the goal — not a mad dash from bed to the school gate.
You may like — 10 Simple School Morning Hacks and Simple Tips to Make School Mornings Easier
#7. Be Brave!
This one’s for the parents. Your child will be fine — even if there’s a wobble at the gate, most children settle within minutes of you leaving.
Children take their cues from you, so arriving calm, positive and confident helps them feel the same way. If you’re likely to shed a tear (completely understandable!), try to hold it together until you’re out of sight.
And remember — if anything comes up during the day, the school will call you.
Check out — Your Child’s Starting School, Are They (and You) Ready? and First Day of School Poem for Parents
#8. Help Them Become Independent
When you arrive, find out together where they should hang their coat and where bags and lunch boxes go. Showing them on day one helps them settle in faster and builds a real sense of independence.
It’s also worth pointing out where the toilets are and encouraging them to go before class starts, even if they insist they don’t need to.
You may also enjoy — Top Tips for Starting School with Parenting Expert John Sharry
#9. Make an Effort With Other Parents
Try to make an effort with the other parents on the first day — you’ll likely be seeing them at the school gate for years to come. Many schools run a coffee morning on the first day; if yours does, pop along. At the very least, you’ll have company for that first-day tear or two.
You may also enjoy — Surviving School Gate Politics
#10. Keep the School Informed
Make sure the school and teacher know about any allergies, medical needs, or family circumstances that might affect your child’s day or behaviour. Confirm they have up-to-date contact numbers for you, and check in discreetly with the teacher at pick-up to see how the day went.
Check this out — Tips for a Child Starting School with Allergies
#11. Keep the Afternoon Free
Your child will likely be tired after their first day — some may even need a nap. If you can, pick them up yourself and spend the afternoon together: a treat lunch out, or their favourite meal waiting at home, works well.
If this is your first child starting school, don’t worry if the stories don’t come flooding out. “How was your first day?” often gets a one-word answer. Try more specific questions instead — “What game did you play in the yard?” or “Who did you sit beside?” — and give them time to open up in their own way.
However the day goes, take a moment to enjoy it and mark the occasion. And if there are tears — yours or theirs — that’s completely normal. You’ll all settle into the routine before you know it.
Recommended read: 12 Useful Ways for Surviving the First Week of School
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I help my child if they’re anxious about their first day of school?
Talk it through in advance, keep your own tone calm and upbeat, and stick to a predictable morning routine. A quick chat with the teacher about any specific worries can also help the school support your child from day one.
What should I pack for my child’s first day?
A labelled school bag, their books (where required), a lunch that follows the school’s food policy, and any items the school has asked for, such as spare clothes for younger children. Check your school’s specific list, as requirements vary.
Is it normal for my child not to want to talk about their school day?
Yes, very. Many children give short answers to broad questions. Try asking about specific moments — playtime, lunch, a particular activity — rather than “How was school?”
Should I stay at the school gate if my child is upset?
Most children settle within a few minutes of a parent leaving, even if there are tears at the gate. Say a warm, confident goodbye and trust the teacher to look after the settling-in process — the school will always contact you if there’s a genuine concern.
Do I need to buy schoolbooks for my child starting school?
In Ireland, free schoolbooks are now provided under the free schoolbooks scheme, though these are generally loaned rather than owned and returned at year end. Check with your individual school for exactly what’s provided and what, if anything, you still need to buy.
Related Articles
- 10 Back to School Tips to Overcome First Day Nerves
- 14 Easy Ways You Can Help Your Child Settle at School
- 12 Useful Ways for Surviving the First Week of School
- Your Child’s Starting School, Are They (and You) Ready?
Save These Tips for Later
Starting school comes around fast, and it’s easy to forget the small details in the run-up. Bookmark this page or save it to your favourites so you can come back to it the week before term starts — and browse our Back to School section for more checklists, lunch ideas and money-saving tips.
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