The Brightside: Back-to-School Calm

January 28, 2026

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Written by

January 28, 2026

·

Written by

The Brightside: Back-to-school Calm. 6 Gentle Ways to Ease Your Child (and You) Into the School Year

The time has finally arrived. Your not-so-little one is starting school. Exciting? Yes. Emotional? Also yes. Slightly chaotic? Absolutely. For mums juggling work, life, lunches, and all the feelings-getting ready for this new routine can feel like a lot. The good news? A few simple habits now can make a huge difference once the school year kicks off.

Here are some gentle, realistic ways to make the transition smoother for both you and your child.

1. Create a calm (ish) morning routine

Mornings with kids are never perfect, but a little structure goes a long way. Try introducing a consistent rhythm before school starts: Wake-up time around the same hour each day A simple, nourishing breakfast Getting dressed, brushing teeth, packing bags in the same order Kids thrive on predictability. It helps their nervous systems feel safe and settled. Use encouragement over perfection, and remember: some mornings will still be messy. That’s normal. Aim for “mostly calm,” not Instagram calm.

2. Talk about school (early and often)

Your child may be feeling a little anxious about this next chapter, which is completely normal. Have lots of chats about what to expect at school and how they are feeling about it, and explain the positive benefits like learning, making friends, and having fun. It may also be helpful to share your own positive experiences you had when you were at school.

3. Practice independence

Giving your child the opportunity to practice certain tasks will mean they will feel more confident putting them in place when it comes to being at school. Some key skills are being able to go to the bathroom on their own, dressing themselves, and opening lunch containers. Help your child recognise their belongings by labelling items like their backpack, lunchbox, and clothes.

4. Express emotions

The start of school is likely to bring up a lot of big emotions for your child as they move through a huge period of change in their life. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings regarding school. Perhaps use dinner time, when the family is gathered around the table, to ask about their day, what they liked and perhaps didn’t like, or any questions they may have. Validate their emotions and offer reassurance.

5. Positive goodbye ritual

Saying goodbye to your child on the first day of school is a very emotional moment for a lot of parents. It signifies the beginning of a whole new chapter of their lives, and so it can often lead to tears for many. On the first day, perhaps create a special handshake or a little phrase that you can do together to make it easier for both of you. Try not to draw it out too much, and perhaps arrange a coffee post drop-off with some of the other Mums where you can have a little cry and bond over the experience.

6. Keep it simple (progress > perfection)

You don’t need colour-coded schedules, 12-section lunchboxes, or flawless routines to be doing a great job.

What kids really need is:

- Consistency Reassurance

- A calm, loving parent who shows up even when things feel messy

-Repetition is okay

- Simple lunches are okay

- Store-bought snacks are okay

- You’re building habits for the long haul, not trying to win “Best School Mum of the Year” in week one.