Back-to-School Survival Guide for New Parents
The new school year is an exciting time for young parents and their children. At the thought of your baby taking their first steps at nursery, with a childminder, or in their first year of preschool, you oscillate between stress and excitement. The big day is approaching, and our back-to-school survival guide is here to accompany you through this thrilling adventure. Back-to-school survival guide for new parents. From pre-term preparation to managing the first few days, discover how to create an environment that fosters learning and well-being — for your child… and for you.
Get back to a normal routine
Ah, the holidays — that space-time rift where you even forget what time it is. Late bedtimes, shifted lunches, approximate naps… To ease back into a routine and rest before the September return, shift your entire day by 15 minutes at a time until you get back to your normal schedule, particularly at bedtime. During the first few days back, don't hesitate to put baby to bed a little earlier, as nursery, school, or the childminder can be tiring. We even know some babies who come out of nursery completely exhausted and… need a little nap.
Take your time
Whether it's settling in at nursery or with a childminder, you've most likely already planned the necessary time for this. Our advice? Don't underestimate the start of preschool either. Again, if you can, take the day off to drop your child off calmly in the morning, without any stress. Do the same at pick-up time — Junior will be delighted to see you… and so will you! Right then, off we go into the first evening marathon of the school year.
Arrange childcare for your child
An exceptional meeting, a delayed train, your 6 pm yoga class… Who will pick up your child this evening? Plan ahead with a babysitter, a trusted neighbour, your family, an older sibling… even for unexpected situations.
Read back-to-school books
Reading is a bit like music — it softens hearts. Prepare for the big day and help Junior understand what to expect, through lovely bedtime stories. Here are a few books to add to your library:
- À ce soir, by Jeanne Ashbé
- T'choupi rentre à l'école.
- Maman à l'école, by Éric Veillé and Pauline Martini
In addition, explain to your child what to expect, how their days will unfold, and stay positive as you guide them towards this first new school year.
Get their things ready
The evening before, get their things ready and pack their school bag with a change of clothes, their comfort toy, their muslin carrying your scent, and their transitional object. For older children starting school and their first year of preschool, the watchword is learning independence. Choose easy-to-remove clothing (forget braces, belts, and dungarees…), show them how to wash their hands, put on their shoes or their coat... Of course, your child will be helped by the classroom assistant at school, but the idea is to teach them to manage on their own, little by little. We've also spotted a little game to help learn morning and evening routines at home. One more step towards independence…
Zen parent, zen baby
We know that the new school year is often very stressful for parents. The first hours leaving your baby at nursery or in the arms of a childminder, just like the first drop-off at school. Hold back your tears and keep your anxiety to yourself! Although both feelings are perfectly normal, it's better to keep a cool head and not frighten your child. Baby crying? Don't panic — once the door is closed, children generally find their smile again very quickly.
The Charlie Crane team
