This post is sponsored by Kohl’s. I received the included back to school clothes and essentials as compensation.

With our big move to Boston, our kids are also starting a new school in September. With so much change happening for them, I want to prepare them as best I can for this big transition. Starting a new school can be really scary for kids, especially little kids. Here are 6 simple things you can do to help your child adjust to a new school.

6 Tips to Help Your Child Adjust to a New School

1. Stick to a Routine

If there are a lot of changes happening in your child’s life, it is helpful to keep a really consistent routine when you’re at home. When your kids know what to expect at home, that routine can be soothing for them.

2. Schedule a Playdate

If you have a chance to meet some of the kids at the school in advance, that is a great way to get your child comfortable with the change. Schedule a playdate with a new classmate, or find other ways to socialize with kids and their families at the new school. It’s also great if you can have the playdate at your house because your child will feel more comfortable.

3. Get New School Gear

If you make back-to-school fun, your kid will be more excited for the first day. One great way to get them excited is by getting them new school gear or even letting them pick out some of their new clothes, school supplies, shoes or backpacks. For example, let your children pick out a new backpack and together write their name on it.

We got our kids a bunch of new clothes from Kohl’s this year. My son is loving his graphic t-shirts and super hero hoodies. My daughter is obsessed with all the sequin we got her. She didn’t want to take her Sonoma jeans off! You can stock up on back-to-school clothes at Kohl’s right now with their Friends and Family Sale, which runs from August 17-20^th. You can save 20% off with Code: SAVER.

Rocco’s Look: Hoodie Sweatshirt, T-Shirt, Jeans, Shoes

Gigi’s Look: Jacket, Jeans, T-Shirt, Shoes

4. Talk about all the Firsts

Although change can be hard, change can also be exciting! Rather than dwell on the scary and unknown, talk about all the fun things that come with a new school. For my kids, I’m focusing on the new things they will get to do at their new school. For example, this is the first time they will bring their lunch and snacks with them to school. I’m going to let them help me pack their lunches for the first day to get them involved. They also get to pick out a new sleeping bag to bring with them for nap time. It’s these little first that will be fun for them to be a part of.

You can also talk about other firsts they’ve experienced that have turned out well. This is actually the third school my kids have attended and I can remind them how much they liked both of their schools and how they made new friends and loved their teachers each place they went. It is reassuring for them to remember past successes with new experiences.

5. Include Kids in the Process

As I’ve already touched on, it’s really important to get your kids involved in the process of starting a new school. Let them visit the school in advance so they can meet some of the teachers and the students. If they get familiar with their new surroundings, they will be more comfortable when the first day comes. As some other ways to get them involved, offer for them to pick out their clothes and pack their lunches so have control of some of the choices associated with the first day.

6. Play school 

If your children are very nervous, you might want to try role playing with them. Play school with them. You can be their teacher and they can be the student, or vice versa.

Role playing helps them to think about the role of teacher and student, what it means for them and how school can be fun.

I hope these 6 tips are helpful if your child is starting a new school this year. I’m still a bit nervous about my kids starting a new school, but I know they’ll be great.

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