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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Our primary school had a lovely foundation unit from when the children started part time in the nursery aged 3 until the end of reception, so the transition from part time to full time was seamless. They were utterly exhausted though when they first went full time and we had real problems keeping our middle one awake. As they all started in September, regardless of when their birthdays were, he was the youngest of our three being an April birthday. The others are October and December and the difference really showed. We had to make adjustments to the routine and just go with the flow to help him get used to things. I made sure his tea was literally ready for when he got in from school and that he was in his pyjamas soon after- and if baths etc didn't happen, then so be it. It was a bit of a struggle until Christmas but after that he coped with the longer days just fine.

Be positive, if they can meet some of the children that they are starting school with before they go its always good to have a familiar face. Expect them to be tired out for the first week or two

Don’t pass on your own anxieties - tell them it’s going to be fun and they’ll love it, and try to mean it. Get them involved in picking uniform or whatever so they start to get excited.

I agree with others just to relax and not to make a fuss. children take it all in their stride

Lots of reassurance lots of talking and prep before hand x

Explaining exactly what is going to happen so it’s not a scary experience and pointing out all the positives like playing with new friends

Like many have said. Don’t make too big deal of it all 😄

I like them to know that they have my support and that no matter how scary it may seem, everything will be ok.

We've always spoken positively about school, so it's always seemed exciting to our DS and not something to be worried about... We took him for a visit when they held an open evening so he could have a look around (and see the really cool playground and toys!) and then he was invited for another visit just before the summer holiday to meet his teacher, which I think helped.
Finding books about favourite characters at school can help open up a conversation too, we had 'Spot loves School' and 'Miffy at School' a lot this summer. He was involved in choosing his school uniform and we also made a big fuss about him now being a 'big boy' which always seems to win him over!

As others have said, kids are super tired when they first start school so be gentle :)

All this sounds super positive, but I still cried a little bit when I watched DS trot into reception for the first time last week... I didn't let him see that though!

My big concern was my DC getting up and ready in the morning (without drama!!) so I bought a shoe organiser and have used it to add the elements of his uniform so he just picks one of each and everything else stays neat and tidy. We’re on Day 4 and still looking good!!

Routines and no late nights leading up to starting or for the first few weeks (or terms!!). They’re shattered anyway without sleep deprivation on top!

We had several transition days where the kids got to meet one another, and the mothers, and the school did a picnic meet-up. I think when he actually started school I made sure I was relaxed, straightforward, positive and it seemed to do the trick, he ran in to the class without a backward glance.

I think the key is to try not to be too emotional or stressed as they wil pick up on your vibes. Be truthful about how long you'll be and if possible meet some of the other kids beforehand so they have some familiar faces!

Plenty of early nights. It's so hard at the beginning

We've never had any problems and ours have been more than happy with their new adventure and telling us all about it afterwards. We've found if we are relaxed and encouraging then they have felt confident.
Also have to agree with others that it's been our experience too that if the parents are clinging on and making a big deal out of it then those are the children who seem to be less sure and more nervous.

Keep your child’s bookbag in the same spot and make sure you double check that the books are inside the night before. Little siblings can get involved with the reading and “tidy away” important books that belong in the bookbag.

Be prepared for the hungry, tired child who comes home to you at the end of the day

Be SUPER relaxed about everything. Fortunately, mine found it a breeze because we didn't make it a big deal. It helps when the child has already done some nursery - and fortunately the Reception classes are generally about play and easy learning - so not pressured. It's rare that a child isn't ready to commit to school and learning. These days teachers tend to visit the home and discuss beforehand which also gives the child that familiarity. I'd say be led by your child, but generally try not to fuss ... the tears can flow outside the playground once they can't see you!!

Get into a regular routine from the beginning, and get bags ready the night before

Make sure they have all the correct uniform ( I know its expensive but try ebay/school sales and supermarket deals) Nothing worse than feeling different in school. Listen to their little worries and talk about what it will be like. Most times they have visited the school and teacher before hand. Hopefully they will make friends or go with some friends they already know. Give them something to eat when they get home and let them snooze if they want.

Don't put too much pressure of them at home. I've found that keeping demands and repetitive questioning about their day at a minimum that they're more relaxed walking home and actually open up more.

I leave little notes in their lunchbox along with a little snack they can share with new soon-to-be-friends!

I have three children. 2 of which have just started school, one in P1 and one in P2. Most of the tips have been covered by others. Something though that I am trying to encourage in my children is to understand that sometimes it is ok to be different, and in fact sometimes other kids will love your differences. kids always try to be like their friends - but I try to encourage individuality. Recently we bought a cargo bike to take the kids to school. I believe it is the only one at the school. At first my kids wanted to go by car., but one day the other kids started commenting on how cool it is, and how they all want a turn.. Now my kids love the cargo bike. The bike has taught them that being different is ok :) I have written about this experience here : cargokids.home.blog

My top tip is to let them get involved in the planning. Picking a bag, pencil case etc. Don't plan things on the evening those first few weeks and help them get lots f sleep because they will be exhausted.

We kept it pretty low-key: mentioned it little and often over the summer but didn't make a massive deal of it. Involved him in the preparation but didn't emphasise that it was a major milestone. We're lucky because he's a very confident kid but he has settled in well.