For some kids, the transition back to school is full of excitement. They get to reconnect with their friends, show off some fresh back-to-school outfits, and enjoy the anticipation of a new beginning.
Sometimes, though, the back-to-school feelings aren’t so fun. School can be a source of stress or anxiety for kids, and the first day of school can bring feelings of sadness, or even fear. We can’t protect our kids from feeling tough feelings, but we can help them find the positives of a new school year.
How to Help Your Kids Have a Happy First Day of School
We all want kids to have a happy first day of school – here are some back to school ideas to help prepare them prepare for the transition!
Let them process
If your child seems to be anxious or upset about the start of a new school year, do you know why? Give them space to process their feelings by being a supportive listening ear. Are they nervous about making new friends, sad that summer is coming to an end, or anxious about a new teacher?
As your child shares what’s on their mind, be ready to support them. The Bible is full of encouragements you can share, like these Bible verses for fear and worry!
Build familiarity
A lot of the time, anxiety about going back to school comes from fear of the unknown – so determine what you do know together! Here are some ways to build familiarity and set expectations for the new school year:
- See if you can find a picture of your child’s new teacher on the school website.
- Reach out to see if there’s an opportunity to tour the school before the first day.
- Talk to a neighbor or friend who can share their experiences with that school, class, or teacher.
It never hurts to remind your child that they can bring their worries about the unknown to God. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us not to worry about anything, but instead to “pray about everything.”
Start a new back-to-school tradition
Create a positive association by starting a back-to-school activity or tradition your child can look forward to. Watch their favorite movie together the night before, make them their favorite breakfast on the first day, or help them put together an outfit they feel confident in.
Give them a memento
Give your child a physical reminder that you’re praying for them on their first day of school Give them something special like a bracelet, handwritten note, or a family photo to keep close. They can glance at them throughout the day as an encouraging reminder!
Take time to pray
1 Thessalonians 5:17 gives us a simple but powerful reminder: never stop praying. Prayer helps settle our anxiety and refocus on the positives because it brings our attention back to God. In the morning before school, take the time to pray a first day of school prayer with your child like this one:
Dear God, Please be with _____ today as they go to school. Remind them that you care for them and are in control. Help them to feel your presence throughout the day, and to find moments to enjoy and celebrate as they start a new school year. We love you. Amen.
Make it a great first week
The first day of school gets a lot of focus and attention, but don’t neglect the rest of the week! Even taking a small step to make each day of the first week of school special can help ease anxiety and make the back-to-school season something to look forward to. Try starting this Back To School Bible Reading Plan and reading each day together as a way to start each day with encouragement and prayer.
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If you need more targeted advice on how to help a child with anxiety about school, we’ve rounded up some helpful insights paired with passages from the Bible to read with your child.
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