The first day of school is filled with so many emotions. There is excitement, curiosity, anticipation — and sometimes a few butterflies in the tummy.

For children, starting a new school year can feel like a big deal. A new classroom, new teachers, new friends, unfamiliar routines, and saying goodbye to a parent or caregiver can all bring up feelings of worry or anxiety.

And that’s okay.

First-day nerves are not a sign that your child isn’t ready. They’re often a sign that they care.

As parents and caregivers, we can’t always take away those nervous feelings. But we can help children understand them, feel secure through them, and learn that they are capable of handling new experiences.

🌙 Talk About Feelings Before the Big Day

Instead of simply saying, “Don’t be nervous,” try giving your child’s feelings a name.

You might say:

Sometimes our tummies feel funny when we’re doing something new. You might feel excited and nervous at the same time.

This helps children understand that their feelings are normal rather than something they need to avoid.

You can also talk about what they can expect: where they will go, who will greet them, what their day might look like, and when you will return.

⭐ Practice the Goodbye

For some children, the hardest part of the first day is saying goodbye.

A predictable goodbye routine can make this moment easier. Keep it loving, confident, and brief.

Try:

I love you. You are safe. Your teacher is going to take such good care of you. I will come back after school. Have a wonderful day!

Then give a hug, a kiss, and leave.

It can be tempting to linger when your child is crying, but a long or uncertain goodbye can sometimes make the separation harder. Children take cues from our confidence, so showing them that we believe they can do this can be incredibly reassuring.

🧸 Create a Little Piece of Home

A small reminder of home can help children feel connected while they’re away.

Depending on the school’s rules, this could be:

• A tiny family photo tucked into a backpack
• A special note from Mom or Dad
• A small heart drawn on their hand
• A familiar phrase you say to one another

These small objects carry real weight for a child. It’s exactly why a missing stuffed elephant sits at the heart of Daisy’s story — a comfort item can feel like an anchor when everything else is brand new.

You might even create a special “secret signal” that your child can remember during the day.

For example:

Whenever you miss me, put your hand on your heart and remember that I’m thinking about you, too.

🌈 Don’t Promise That They Won’t Feel Nervous

It’s natural to want to reassure your child by saying, “You’ll have so much fun! You won’t be nervous at all!”

But children may still feel nervous — and if they do, they might wonder if something is wrong.

Instead, try:

You might feel nervous when you walk into your new classroom. That’s okay. You can feel nervous and still be brave.

This sends a powerful message:

Bravery doesn’t mean you aren’t scared. Bravery means you can do something even when you feel a little scared.

📚 Read Books About Starting School

Stories give children a chance to explore big feelings from the safety of their own home.

Reading books about school, friendship, separation, and trying new things can help children feel less alone in their experiences.

If you’re looking for a picture book about the first day of school and the feelings that come with it, Daisy’s Wagging Tales: Brave Beginnings was written for exactly this moment. When Daisy’s favorite stuffed elephant goes missing, she discovers that courage, kindness, and family can help her face even her biggest worries — a gentle reminder for children ages 3 to 8 that new beginnings can feel exciting and a little scary at the same time.

After reading, ask simple questions like:

• “How do you think the character felt?”
• “Have you ever felt that way?”
• “What helped them feel better?”
• “What do you think might help you?”

Books can open conversations that are sometimes difficult for children to start on their own.

💛 Give Them Something to Look Forward To

The first day doesn’t have to be focused entirely on the goodbye.

Create a small tradition for after school — a special snack, a walk together, reading a favorite book, or simply sitting together and talking about the day.

Instead of asking, “Did you have fun?”, try open-ended questions:

• “What was something new you noticed today?”
• “Who did you meet?”
• “What made you smile?”
• “Was there anything that felt a little tricky?”

This gives children permission to share both the good and the difficult parts of their day.

🌟 Remember: Adjustment Takes Time

Some children walk into school confidently on the first day. Others need several days — or even weeks — to feel completely comfortable.

There is no “right” way to adjust.

A child who cries at drop-off may still have a wonderful day. A child who seems completely calm may still have big feelings later at home.

Give your child time, patience, and reassurance.

And most importantly, remind them again and again:

You are safe. You are loved. You are capable. And you can do hard things.

The first day of school is not just the beginning of a new school year. It’s the beginning of countless new experiences, friendships, discoveries, and little moments of growing independence.

Those first-day butterflies won’t last forever.

But the confidence your child builds by learning to face them can last a lifetime. 🌙✨