Read MNers tips for supporting your children when starting primary school

[EllieMumsnet]

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Starting primary school is a major milestone for your child, and making that jump from nursery school to primary school isn’t always easy. From making new friends to getting used to the school routine, the changes your child has to adapt to can spark both excitement and anxiety. With this in mind, Tiny Popwant to hear from you about the ways you will make or have made the transition to starting school as smooth as possible.

Here’s what Tiny Pop have to say: “Here at Tiny Pop we recognise what an exciting, yet scary, emotional and challenging time it can be when one of your little ones starts their primary school journey. We think it’s the perfect time for parents to come together and join forces to share the best tips and tricks to support little ones and the wider family as this big change takes place. Tiny Pop is here for you to support you in your new hectic routines whether it’s 10 minutes in front of Super Wings in our Wakey, Wakey segment whilst mums and dads get dressed or some much needed down time at the end of a busy day for Yeti Tales in Cuddle Time on Tiny Pop. We are here for you with old friends and new!”

What are your top tips in preparing your child for starting school? How do you make sure your child gets enough sleep with all the excitement and anxiety in the days and weeks leading up to starting school? Maybe you’ve got a special way to relax and calm them down, or maybe you’ve got some lunchbox and uniform hacks to keep the morning school-run as stress-free as possible?

All who share their tips for supporting their little ones when starting school for the first time will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 vouchers (from a list).

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

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[Asuwere]

After seeing 5 children start school, I have to say it's a bigger deal for some parents than the kids! I've not made it into a big deal and my DC have just accepted it for what it is with no issues.
So tip I guess would be to relax! :)

[Anj123]

If you know parents of other children who are starting at the same school, arrange a get together with them just before term starts so they can look forward to seeing some familiar faces. Usually it’s the parents who are more worried that then children anyway!

[SeekingShade]

Keep it as low key as possible. Plan nothing for after school

[CommonFishDiseases]

Be as positive as possible about the school. Help your child to plan coping strategies if needed. Celebrate your own achievement of successfully getting a child to school age! Give yourself a break and a pat on the back!

[BristolMum96]

Organising routines and not hyping it up

[Byrdie]

We tried to make sure they began knowing at least a few people and had some pre school playdates with some classmates. It helps attending the feeder nursery too of course!

[Treaclespongeandcustard]

Be relaxed about it and don’t talk about school too much before they start. Little ones will be excited to follow the bigger ones anyway. For the first to start, make sure they have a friend and try to make after school nights as relaxing as possible.

[flowerpower32]

Keep it relaxed but depending on the child, mark it as a special day. My DD was so excited and knew it was a big deal and we enjoyed celebrating it with her. Photos before, yummy snack after!

[Pushpull]

I think keeping it low key where you can (but getting a lovely picture for memories) is a big help.

Practising trying on the uniform and checking it all fits and is comfy is a good move (and particularly reception teachers will thank you for it!)

[ButterflyOfFreedom]

Talk about it beforehand
Let them help choose/ buy / try on uniform
Manage expectations but don't make it a big deal
Usually have a great waiting for them after their first day

[backfarblackcar]

Don't make a big deal of it. It's not a big deal. Day to day school routine stuff.....children have to have enough sleep, so wind down and read books, or chat about things like what happened that day or what might happen tomorrow. Be organised with stuff. Clothes ready, bags ready. Get up early enough and leave early enough so no one is late. Nothing about any part of our school routine includes tv though. And certainly not tv with adverts.

[sharond101]

I kept it low key and took my child's lead which was enthusiasm so went along with it. We met up with friends who would be in his class soon before the start of term which helped also.

[Sleepybumble]

My top tip would be to treat it as exciting but not a big deal.

[misskatamari]

We didn't do much to be honest. Like most posters, we were excited about it, but kept it low key. Our school gave all the children a cuddly mouse at the home visits before summer, which dd could play with at home and then take with her on her first day, which was lovely

[JC4PMPLZ]

Talk about what is happening there each day, always be happy to listen to what is going on, be positive about school. Treat it as fun. Tell stories from your own schooldays,

[Thiswayorthatway]

Don't make a fuss of them

[Leeds2]

Keep it very low key, and don't build it up to be a huge thing.

Remember that they are very likely to be hungry when they get home!

[feelinhopeful]

They'll probably be shattered after their first few days so don't plan anything after school. Also they are always REALLY hungry when they finish so take a snack for pick up time and make their favourite tea the first night.

[ErinSophia]

My daughter Aimee started school last month. I letter Aimee pick her own bag and lunch bag plus let her choose what to have for lunch so she feels more in control, this calmed her nervous a bit about starting school. X

[MrsFrTedCrilly]

Relax! As PP have said don’t work them up into a tizzy about it.
Practice walk to school, putting on (& off) uniform and PE kit.
They very quickly adapt, so much quicker than the parents!

[del2929]

talking lots about school and having siblings who have been or go to school helped alot.

[angell74]

Establishing routes and preparing everything the night before is key so that mornings can just flow.

[Alo2019]

My princess is starting school half day Wednesday I’m so nervous 😬 but I’m sure she will be fine. You would think this is my first child it’s my 4th 😂😂 but she’s my youngest.

[HPMummy11]

Expect them to be tired. We couldn’t believe how exhausted our daughter was after those first few days/weeks at school especially as she was used to long days in nursery prior to school.

[Cotswoldmama]

Before my son started school we talked a lot about what his day might be like and what he might have for lunch etc. Then when he started I would ask him questions starting with questions about the morning, going through the day. I found if I asked ‘what did you do today?’ He could never remember! Gradually I learnt his daily routine so would be able to ask lots of questions and I think talking about school helped him to settle quicker.