Tips That Worked For Us With Settling In Days (and one that didn’t)

It’s that time of year where as little learners get ready for settling in days - many of us parents are feeling pretty unsettled. High emotions aside (how are we here already, they are growing up too fast, etc, etc) the day itself can be challenging. Having gone through a fair share of settling in days - rest assured it will go a lot better than you might be worse-case scenarioing. Here are the tips we found that worked best for settling into nursery and new school years - and the one that really didn’t.

 Get settled, grab a cuppa and have a read. 

What Tips Help With Settling In Days? 

Excitement, nerves and a lot of questions are totally normal with big changes. There is nothing more overwhelming for a parent than seeing your little one overwhelmed, we have been there. Here’s how to navigate the excitement, tantrums and uncertainty with as much calm as possible.

Familiarise The New Space

If your little one is starting a whole new school or nursery, having a few visits together can help get them familiar with the space. This can help them get more comfortable and lower anxiety before the big day. Being with you adds an extra layer of comfort and you can let them ask any questions and talk about the fresh start. The motion of coming and going helps prepare them, making the first day less scary and more something to look forward to.

Meet The Teachers

If there is a chance for them to say a quick hello and meet the new teachers before the first day this can be a huge help. Nervous systems feel regulated by friendly, familiar faces and even that first connection can play a big part in easing first day nerves. Do we ever forget some of our favourite teachers? If your child is particularly nervous, communicate with the teaching team so they can approach them with a bit of extra TLC. Remember they are familiar with first-day nerves and will have good ideas of how best to ease them in. 

Connect With Crafts Or Tea-Time Chit-Chat

Kids tend to open up most when they are relaxed and comfortable. The dinner table over a plate of fish fingers or while they are having fun crafting might provide a better setting to ask them questions than the drive to school. Asking them questions about books, what they enjoy learning and what they are looking forward to can help the conversation feel more natural. Some of the things they come out with might surprise you - like whether they can wear their favourite dress on the first day!

Cliff Note -  Remember there will be wobbles and that’s ok. Consistent reassurance wins the race and that smile when they have that first little moment of achievement makes it all worth it. 

What Is The Number One Thing To Avoid?

While every child is different we did pick up on one thing that didn’t work for us. We call it the ‘sneak away’ Saying a quick goodbye and reassuring them you will be back later builds confidence and trust you will be back. As soon as they get used to the routine of you coming and going they can relax into the day. Even if they do kick up a bit of a hoot on the first goodbye, trust the process. Clear communication strengthens connections, this is one huge joy we love about crafting. Letting little ones get creative and lost in their imagination leads to unexpected questions, conversations and lessons (for us as much as them)

Your Settling In Day Reminders

Change can be scary for all kids, especially when involving such a huge part of their routine. There are simple steps you can take to help make the transition as calm, fun and exciting as possible. Visiting the new school or nursery is a great way to get them familiar with the space and allow them to ask any questions. If you have any particular concerns or are worried your child is overly anxious, speak to the teachers. A good chat with the teaching team can put your mind at rest that everything is going to be ok. The best time to ask them how they are feeling and explore what’s on their mind is over teatime or while they are having fun crafting. The more relaxed and comfortable they are, the more they get chatting.

Finally, remember consistent reassurance wins the race. The wobbles are natural, take each day at a time and before long - they will be running to the school gates!