HOW TO HANDLE BACK-TO-SCHOOL WITH LITTLE ONES (3 MONTHS TO 7 YEARS) 🎒

Every back-to-school season marks a new milestone in a child’s life… and in their parents’ too! Whether it’s your baby’s very first day at daycare at just three months old, the big step into preschool at age 3, or the exciting leap into elementary school around age 6, each stage brings its share of joy, little worries, and lots of adjustments. To help make these moments smoother and more peaceful for the whole family, we’ve gathered our best tips for navigating back-to-school with kids from 3 months to 7 years. 🏫

The first separation: a learning experience for both little ones and parents.
Leaving your baby for the first time can bring a mix of guilt and relief, and that’s completely normal! Separation is never easy, whether for the baby or the parents. The first days at daycare can be eased in with a gradual adjustment period: starting with a few hours, then half a day, and gradually increasing the time as everyone gets more comfortable.

Provide comforting cues.
At this age, babies feel more secure when routines are clear and familiar elements stay with them… The scent of a favorite blanket or a piece of clothing from home, a reassuring habit brought from home to daycare… And if you’re breastfeeding, know that leaving your baby at daycare doesn’t mean you have to stop. Many childcare centers are fully able to support continued breastfeeding while caring for your little one, for example by offering expressed breast milk. Don’t hesitate to ask about it! In short, try to create an emotional bridge that will help your child feel safe in this new environment.

Building Mutual Trust
Early childhood professionals are there to support you. Don’t hesitate to share your concerns, explain your baby’s routines, or ask for updates from the daycare or caregiver… Because building a relationship of trust often starts exactly here!

A whole new world to discover…
Preschool is a child’s first step into a more social environment: a classroom, a teacher, friends, and a more structured daily rhythm. On top of all that, it’s also the first real extended separation between parents and children.

The Big Day
On the morning of the first day, it’s best to keep things simple, natural, and confident. Avoid drawn-out goodbyes, as they can make the separation feel more stressful. A quick kiss and a kind word, then let the teacher take over. Your calm helps your child stay calm too. And if tears come (which is completely normal), know that they usually pass quickly — giving way to the joy of seeing your little one grow.

…Gently Preparing
Starting in the summer, it’s a good idea to talk about school in positive terms: “You’re going to learn so many new things,” “You’ll meet new friends,” “You’ll make wonderful memories.” You can also do some practice trips together, let your child choose one (or more) back-to-school items, or show them the school building ahead of time — all small steps that help create a reassuring sense of anticipation before the big day.

Gaining Independence Step by Step
Up until around age 6, children gradually start enjoying doing things on their own: getting dressed, choosing their outfits, tidying up their belongings, writing and recognizing their name… These simple little actions help build confidence, and encouraging them can make school a much more positive experience.

The Big Leap to First Grade
Around ages 6–7, elementary school becomes “the big kid school”: a new environment, new classmates, reading, writing, math… all new things that can feel overwhelming. Take the time to explain why these skills are empowering rather than restrictive: being able to read a story alone, write a letter to a friend, or count their toys… School is truly a step toward independence!

And for some children, school takes place more at home than in a classroom, a setup that works wonderfully for many families. Whether your children are learning at home or attending school in person, consider creating a quiet, dedicated space at home. A spot where your child can keep their belongings, study, read, write, do homework, or draw peacefully. This helps them feel ready to learn and creates an environment that supports learning at home as well.

Emotions and Fatigue
Starting “big kid” school also means a busier schedule for our children. Days are longer, and fatigue can quickly become a factor in the first few weeks. It’s important to make time for free play and rest outside of school. School requires focus and concentration, which continues at home once homework begins — so don’t forget to give your child space to fully unwind and recharge.

Sometimes we forget that back-to-school isn’t just a milestone for kids, it’s a big moment for parents too. Here are three tips especially for you:

• Trust the professionals and teachers. Giving them this trust lets you take a breath while your children are learning.
• Welcome emotions — yours and your children’s — without guilt. Allow them to take the space they need during this big change for the whole family.
• Organize routines at home, from preparing school items ahead of time to adjusting sleep schedules to match school rhythm, and creating warm moments after school. These simple steps make the school transition feel lighter for your child.

And most importantly: don’t forget that a “perfect” back-to-school doesn’t exist (in fact, nothing is truly perfect — but that’s another story). What really matters are the little steps, the adjustments, and the love you put into each new stage of your child’s school journey. 🍀

As you can see, from 3 months to 7 years, every back-to-school moment is a step in your child’s growth — another stride toward independence and learning. Daycare, preschool, elementary… each new environment brings its own surprises, discoveries, joys, and sometimes a few tears. And that’s the beauty of this enriching journey.

Just remember that at every stage, your presence, your words, and your trust will always be the best “backpack essentials” you can give them. 💛

Written by Bertrand Lamy
@Tajinebanane