Preschool Parenting Tips: How to Support Your Child’s First Days of School
Big Emotions, Tiny Backpacks — and You’ve Got This.
Starting preschool is a huge milestone — not just for your child, but for you, too. New routines. Big emotions.
At Learning Through PLAYtrays® , we know how emotional (and overwhelming!) the preschool transition can feel. So we’ve put together 10 simple, practical tips to help you feel confident, connected, and ready for this exciting new chapter.
Whether it’s your first drop-off or your third child heading to school, these tips will help make the journey smoother for everyone.
10 Preschool Parenting Tips
1. Start with a Picture Plan
Preschoolers thrive on routine — especially when they can see it. Create a simple visual schedule using photos or drawings for tasks like getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and heading out the door.
This builds independence, reduces morning stress, and helps your child feel in control of their day.
2. “I Can Do It!” (Pack My Own Backpack)
Let your child take charge of packing their own bag with a short checklist.
Start with just 2–3 things: water bottle, extra socks, comfort item. It builds responsibility and pride — and you can quietly double-check before heading out.
3. Big Moves First
Preschoolers have a natural need to move! Before asking them to sit or focus, give them time to burn off energy.
Try dancing, jumping jacks, or a mini race down the hallway. Morning movement = better moods and better focus.
4. Books Before Bed — Every Day!
Reading is magic. Just 5 minutes a night builds language, imagination, and emotional connection.
Let them pick the book, snuggle up, and make it a bedtime ritual they’ll look forward to every night.
5. Reset After the Day
Preschool is a full-body experience. After school, your child may be overstimulated or exhausted.
Offer quiet time: soft music, cuddles, water play, or even a favorite show. This helps them recharge before dinner or evening activities.
6. Say Goodbye, Every Time
Transitions can be tricky. Create a consistent drop-off routine — a goodbye song, special handshake, or a simple “See you after snack!”
Predictable goodbyes help kids feel safe and settle in quicker.
7. Pack Snacks They LOVE
Now’s not the time to introduce seaweed chips. Stick with familiar favorites — fruit pouches, crackers, yogurt tubes, or cheese sticks.
Happy tummies = happy kids.
8. Your Feelings Show
If you’re nervous or tearful, your child will feel it too.
Model confidence: “I wonder what song your teacher will sing today!” Your calm, cheerful energy helps them feel safe and excited.
9. Talk with the Teacher (In Front of Your Child!)
When your child sees you and their teacher building a friendly, respectful relationship, it builds trust.
Take a moment at drop-off to say hello and chat briefly — it helps your child feel more connected to their school environment.
10. Remember... They’re Still Little 💛
Tantrums, clinging, or tears are all normal. Preschool is new, big, and sometimes scary.
Stay calm. Offer hugs. Take a deep breath (for both of you). You are their safe place.
From Our Family to Yours 💛
At Learning Through PLAYtrays®, we know this routine all too well — because we’ve lived it.
Before creating our sensory play products, Kamilla and Daniel , founders of Learning Through PLAYtrays®, ran a small home daycare in Canada. Kamilla worked closely with families every single day — helping toddlers transition into care, supporting parents through those first tearful drop-offs, and building trust step by step.
Separation anxiety is real — for both children and parents. That’s why creating a safe, peaceful, and supportive environment was always at the heart of everything we did.
Today, our mission hasn’t changed. We’re here to support you with tools, resources, and encouragement — every step of the way.
You’re not alone in this journey. And yes… it really does get easier.