Back-to-School Tips for Easing Preschool Anxiety

If you’re sending your child to preschool this August (or fall), you might be feeling a little uncertain–that’s why Denver Preschool Program (DPP) put together a quick guide covering back-to-school tips for easing preschool anxiety for you and your little one. 

Talk To Your Preschooler About Their Feelings to Ease Back-to-School Anxiety

The end of summer can bring a range of emotions and feelings for everyone, as can the thought of starting preschool. Whether your child is new to a school setting or not, it’s important to have open communication with them about how they are feeling. Asking your preschooler how they are feeling is a great first step. Then be sure to validate their feelings. This PBS Kids video gives a great overview of feelings and emotions and how to talk about them with your child. 

Watching for non-verbal cues from your preschooler, like nail biting or stomach aches, can also indicate they are feeling anxious, nervous, or scared. Remember, back-to-school anxiety can look different for every child. Check out the physical signs, behaviors, and emotional symptoms that could indicate anxiety in this article, “How Do I Know If My Preschooler Has Anxiety?” And this article offers great tips about how to cope with back-to-school anxiety. 

3 Things to Do to Ease Back-to-School Anxiety for Preschoolers

Talking to your child and knowing what to look for can help you address anxiety in preschool children, but how can you prevent or ease anxiety before it becomes an issue? Try these three things to help you and your little one start the school year on the right foot: 

1. Establish a Routine Sooner than Later: Kids of all ages thrive on routines. Establishing a preschool routine with your child before school starts can help set expectations and put their little minds (and yours) at ease. Start with your morning and bedtime routines. What will wake-up time look like? Will you eat breakfast together on the way to school? For bedtime, what will that routine look like–is it new or one you have well established? Once you have morning and evening covered, consider creating a weekly schedule. Developing routines and then implementing them before school starts will ensure you and your child are on the same page. Use this weekly schedule そしてこれら tips on simple routines from Sesame Workshop to get started. 
2. Schedule Tours and/or Playdates: Help your preschooler become familiar with their new school and classmates prior to the first day. Consider setting up a tour or two of the school and walking through the drop-off routine with your child. Also, set up a few playdates with your child’s future classmates prior to school starting. Often, preschools host back-to-school nights or orientations where you can meet other families and exchange information. Even after the school year begins, helping your child form relationships with other children in their class can help ease the transition. 
3. Make it Special: Whether it’s choosing a new backpack, school supplies, or creating a creative handshake that you and your child use when you drop them off at school, you can make the new experience fun and memorable. The more you can make preschool exciting and special, the more likely your child will feel comfortable with school. 

Additional Resources to Help Your Preschooler Prepare for School

Looking for more information about how to make a strong start to the upcoming school year? Check out these resources: 

• Books are always a great way to help your child learn about back-to-school feelings and expectations. This read-aloud of Llama Llama Misses Mama is a great book for kids who might not have spent much, if any, time away from their parents or primary caregivers. This article outlines 8 books to get preschoolers pumped for their first day of school. 
• The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has 13 tips for back-to-school success. Children’s Hospital Colorado also has a great piece about back-to-school tips for families. 
• And for families who prefer to watch rather than read, check out these videos about easing anxiety and preparing for back-to-school time: 
  • Back-to-School Tips That Actually Work
  • How to Deal with Back-to-School Stress
  • How to Help Kids with Back-to-School Anxiety 

Would you prefer to get more insights like these via text? Learn more about Lantern, which provides simple text for families and caregivers that are geared toward your child’s age. If you prefer social media, be sure to follow DPPのInstagram for preschool-focused tips and insights. Or, visit our family page for more resources for families with preschool children.