How to Gently Prepare Your Child for School

It’s August, back-to-school sales are everywhere, and the beginning of a new school year is right around the corner.

If your child has complex needs, now is a good time to slowly help their mind and body adjust to the school routine.

My biggest takeaway is simple:

Don’t wait until the night before school begins to change everything. Start slowly.

Begin Adjusting Your Child’s Schedule

Summer often brings later bedtimes and slower mornings, and your child’s body needs time to adjust to going to bed and waking up earlier.

Begin moving bedtime and wake-up time a little earlier about seven to ten days before school begins. When our children were younger, we also practiced getting dressed, eating breakfast, packing lunch, organizing backpacks, and leaving the house on time.

For children who benefit from visual reminders, create a checklist using pictures of them brushing their teeth, combing their hair, eating breakfast, putting on their shoes, and picking up their backpack.

The goal is to make the routine familiar before you’re dealing with the pressure of an actual school morning.

Shop for School Supplies Early

We tried to make school supply shopping something our children could look forward to by including a favorite treat or lunch afterward.

But here’s my important reminder:

Don’t wait until a few days before school begins to buy supplies. Ask me how I know.

One year, appointments and life got in the way. By the time we went shopping, choices were limited, and we had to visit multiple stores.

I still remember the epic meltdown in store number three and carrying one of our children, kicking and screaming, out of the store.

Please learn from my mistake. Shop early and give yourself plenty of time.

Make School Feel Familiar Again

Look through the school yearbook together and talk about familiar teachers, staff members, and classmates.

You can also drive past the school, visit the playground, or find the entrance your child will use. If the school offers an open house or an opportunity to meet the teacher, take advantage of it.

Even a short visit can help calm first-day nerves.

Identify a Safe Adult

Help your child identify at least one adult they can approach if they feel worried, confused, overwhelmed, or unsafe.

That person might be a teacher, paraprofessional, counselor, office secretary, or another trusted staff member. If possible, confirm with the school who your child should approach and make sure that person understands your child may come to them for help.

Practice a simple phrase your child can use, such as, “I need help,” or “Can I stay with you for a minute?”

Your child needs to know there are adults at school who will listen and help them.

Give the Transition Time

Even with preparation, your child may be more tired, anxious, emotional, or easily overwhelmed as they adjust to new people, sounds, schedules, and expectations.

The goal isn’t a perfect school routine. It’s to make the transition feel less sudden and overwhelming for your child and for you.

Start with one small step, give it time to become familiar, and then add the next one.

For more practical guidance and encouragement for raising children with complex needs, follow Healing Complex Kids® on Facebook and Instagram.