Starting school
First day, new classroom, new teachers
The big feelings about starting school - whether it's preschool, kindergarten, or a new school entirely. It's a leap into the unknown with new people, new rules, and new expectations. Some kids can't wait. Others need more support.
What to Know
Starting school — whether it's preschool, kindergarten, or a new school — is a leap into the unknown. New people, new rules, new expectations, and hours away from the safety of home. Some kids can't wait. Others need significant support to manage the transition.
The adjustment period is real and can last weeks or even months. A child who seems fine initially may have a delayed reaction once the novelty wears off. A child who struggles at first often settles in with time and consistency. Both patterns are normal.
What helps: visiting beforehand when possible, creating goodbye rituals, staying calm and confident at dropoff (your anxiety is contagious), and connecting with the teacher about how your child is adjusting. Most kids do find their footing — but the timeline varies.
Signs to Watch
- •Has extreme distress at dropoff beyond the first few weeks
- •Complains of physical symptoms before school
- •Has significant behavior changes at home
- •Seems unusually anxious about school
- •Doesn't talk about school or shares only negative things
- •Has regression in other areas
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