Preparing the Child—and the Parent—for a New School Year

The start to a new school year is an exciting, yet stressful time for parents and children. The anticipation of the first day, adjusting to routines, learning expectations and being in a new place all day can be stress inducing for many children. Both parents and children deserve a positive start to the day. Parents need to trust that their child is in the right place.

Before you approach your new school day mornings, start here:

1. 1. Help your child anticipate change

2. 2. Give a quick goodbye

3. 3. Consistency creates security

Help your child anticipate change.

First, about a week before starting a new school, take your child to the school to visit. Give your child the opportunity to explore the classroom, walk the hallways and play on the playground. It's important they make connections and associate their new learning environment with positivity and possibility.

Give a quick goodbye.

If your child begins to cry as you try to leave the school, you will always feel that you cannot leave the school until he stops crying. Every parent feels this tug, and every teacher is empathetic to that, but that will never happen. Your child will never stop crying if you are still there. They will only stop crying after you have left, which means your presence only prolongs their tears.

Therefore, you must choose positive emotions for both you and your child. Communicate with your body language that school is a safe place and that you are happy your child is there. So often, the most anxiety comes from a self-fulfilling prophecy on behalf of the parent. Then, the child feels Mom’s worry and thinks to himself, “If Mom is scared of leaving me here, there must be something wrong with this place!” Do not let your child pick up these nervous cues from you.

When selecting a school for your child you've made the decision to trust the faculty and administration. You have told your child "You're in the right place." It's important each day they feel they are in the right place and have a sense of belonging. And, you should feel that way, too. Because your child does belong, and your child is going to do great.

Consistency creates security

Children are constantly trying to understand how the world works. Routine helps them make sense of their experiences and gives them a sense of control. When mornings and goodbyes happen the same way each day, your child begins to anticipate what comes next—and that predictability is deeply comforting.

Even small changes—an extra hug, a delayed goodbye, or a different routine—can feel significant to a child. While these gestures come from love, they can unintentionally disrupt the rhythm your child is working so hard to understand.

If your family is experiencing separation anxiety, don’t fight it or feel discouraged. This is a normal developmental phase. Lean into consistency, remain calm, and trust the process. With time, your child will build resilience and confidence.

We're Here to Support You

At Pincushion Hill Montessori School, we know that starting school—and especially saying goodbye—can be an emotional experience for both children and parents. You don't have to navigate it alone.

We are here to work with you. Our teachers and administration are happy to talk through your child's individual needs, answer questions, and help you develop a consistent approach that supports your child at home and at school. We believe that parents are an important part of the partnership, and together, we can help your child feel safe, confident, and connected.

Trust the process, trust your child, and trust that we are here to support your family every step of the way.