Back to school: Experts share tips for a smooth transition

Bengaluru, 

With schools reopening after a two-month summer vacation, classrooms are once again filled with a mix of emotions. While some children happily walk into school, excited to reunite with friends and teachers, others return more hesitantly, clinging to their parents and reluctant to leave the comfort of home. As the new academic year begins, many parents are working to reestablish school-day routines, bringing back earlier bedtimes, structured study hours and regular schedules.

For parents of first time school-goers, the transition is even more significant, as they navigate the challenge of creating entirely new routines while helping their children adjust to an unfamiliar environment. “I request parents to begin rebuilding school routines a few days before reopening. They should encourage children to wake up early and engage in activities such as reading and writing to help them gradually return to a structured schedule,” said Vijaya Chitra, a pre-primary teacher from Bengaluru.

She emphasised that both parents should play an active role in ensuring children go to bed on time. “Parents should try to return home early on weekdays, as children often stay awake waiting for them, which leads to late bedtimes. This is something teachers frequently observe among today’s families. Parents should also avoid attending week day events that may disrupt their children’s routine,” she said. 

Tips to establish a school routine 

Devyani Todi, an RCI registered clinical psychologist, said it is common for children to experience anxiety, irritability, clinginess or withdrawal when starting school. She stressed the importance of parents acknowledging and normalising these emotions rather than dismissing them. “Instead of saying, ‘Don’t cry’, parents can reassure children with statements such as, ‘We will figure it out together’. Emotional validation helps children develop emotional literacy, build secure attachments and strengthen resilience,” she said.

Todi recommended gradual exposure to ease school-related anxiety. Parents can visit the school with their child beforehand, introduce them to teachers, practice short periods of separation at home, show photographs or videos of the school, and talk through the school day step by step. Such exposure-based techniques help reduce anxiety, regulate emotions and build familiarity with the new environment, she explained. She also cautioned parents against comparing children with their siblings or peers. “Statements such as, ‘Your sister never cried; why are you crying?’ can negatively affect a child’s self-esteem and increase pressure,” she said. 

Parents’ perspective 

“Although my elder daughter was not particularly enthusiastic about the reopening of school at first, she became excited once she saw her new books, school bag and water bottle,” said Ameena Alam, a mother of two daughters who recently returned to school after the summer vacation. She noted that getting back into a routine can be challenging not only for children but also for parents.

“Many mothers experience a sense of guilt, wondering whether their children made the most of their holidays. The vacation period is often the only time families can spend extended time together, so the transition back to school can be emotional and overwhelming for parents as well,” Ameena said. Reflecting on changing parenting styles, Ameena said children today are rarely pushed to attend school through fear or punishment. Instead, parents focus on creating a positive perception of school.

“Children are encouraged to see school as a fun place where they can learn, explore and make friends,” she added. Sharanya Biju, whose daughter recently started school for the first time, described the experience as a positive one. She said her child was cheerful on the first day and did not cry. “So far, the experience has been great. My main focus now is on getting her sleep schedule back on track before the real challenge begins - waking up early when the school van starts picking her up”, she said.

Sharanya noted that while her daughter generally wakes up in a good mood, there are occasional cranky mornings. To make the transition smoother, the family wakes her up about 30 minutes before the start of the morning routine, allowing her time to adjust and settle into the day without feeling rushed.

“I strongly believe that school mornings should not be hurried. A rushed start can create stress and even anxiety for children. Parents should try waking their children a little earlier and spend some quality time with them before the day begins. It helps them feel calm, secure and better prepared for school”, she said.