Back to kindergarten: preparing the first year of kindergarten
Starting kindergarten is a big leap. For you, for your child, for the whole family. This first time back at school in the first year of kindergarten is often full of emotions: pride, worry, excitement... We wonder if they're ready, if we've thought of everything, if the comfort blanket will be enough to reassure them. In this article, I'll guide you step by step to experience this first time at school serenely , with concrete and caring advice.
Discover our back-to-school accessories : bags, labels, and soft items to reassure little ones.
Starting kindergarten: an important milestone for your little one
I still remember my daughter's very first day at kindergarten. She had chosen her first school bag the day before, stuck stickers everywhere, and fallen asleep clutching her blanket. The next morning, I was the one with tears in my eyes. And her? She said "see you tonight, Mommy" with a big smile. It just goes to show that sometimes we're the ones who need reassurance the most.
The start of kindergarten marks a symbolic milestone: your child becomes a student, even if in the first year of kindergarten, we play as much as we learn. It's a first day of school where everything is new: the teacher, the friends, the rules, the rituals. So, it takes a little preparation (and a lot of cuddles) to make this transition smooth.
Preparing for the start of the school year gently and effectively
There's no need to overdo it, but a few simple steps will help him feel ready. Here's what I've learned over the years (and back-to-schools!):
- Plan your bedtime and wake-up routines a few days before going back to school.
- Talk to him about school in simple, reassuring words.
- Let him choose his first school bag so he feels like an actor.
- Visit the school if possible, so that he has some reference points.
- Create little separation rituals (like a magic kiss on the hand).
It’s often the little details that make the difference during that first day of school.
8 practical tips for a successful first day back at school
- Start talking to him about going back to kindergarten as soon as the holidays are over.
- Reassure him: you will always come back for him.
- Prepare things the day before with him so he knows what he's taking.
- Mark all his things (clothes, supplies, comforter).
- Be punctual in the morning to avoid the stress of a rushed departure.
- Let him carry his bag: it makes him proud.
- Keep it short when you break up, even if it's hard.
- Congratulate him in the evening, even if he cried: every effort counts.
What to put in a nursery school bag for back to school?
A preschool bag shouldn't be too heavy or too large. In preschool, especially in preschool, practicality is paramount. Here are the basic contents for properly preparing your school bag:
- The essential comfort blanket , the one that consoles and reassures.
- A change of clothes in a small plastic bag (accidents and water games are frequent).
- A small cup or water bottle as recommended by the school.
- Requested nursery supplies : often a box of tissues, a notebook, a pouch.
- The liaison book if it has already been distributed.
My ideal shopping list for going back to kindergarten in my article: Essential accessories for the first day of school
No need for a pencil case or pens at this age. The school bag should be lightweight, simple, and easy to open on its own. Choose a model with adjustable straps and good support.
Kindergarten: How to help your child adapt?
Starting kindergarten isn't a sprint; it's a gentle marathon. Your child may cry at first, refuse to go, or be exhausted for the first few weeks. This is normal. It's a period of adjustment, where everything falls into place little by little. Give them time, listen to their emotions, and celebrate each step of progress.
You can also slip a sweet note into his pocket, or a tiny drawing. He may not be able to read it yet, but he'll know you're thinking of him. And that makes all the difference.
Parents start kindergarten
We don't say it enough, but this first day of school is also a milestone for us, the parents. Starting school is sometimes the beginning of a new rhythm, the return to work, a page that turns. It's normal to have a lump in your throat, even when you know it's for the best. Surround yourself, share your doubts, and breathe: you're doing your best, and that's already huge.
Special FAQ for returning to kindergarten
At what age does kindergarten start?
Most children start preschool at age 3. Some can start as early as age 2 in schools that offer preschool.
Do you need a special school bag for kindergarten?
Yes, choose a small school bag that fits your child's body shape. It should be lightweight, comfortable, and large enough to hold a diaper, a comforter, and a few supplies.
How do I know if my child is ready for the first day of school?
If he's curious, sociable, or loves stories, he's probably ready. The key is to guide him gently and respect his pace. All children adapt, but each in their own way.
