Doodlebark
“What if I don’t know anyone? What if I get lost? What if I miss home?” A first day of preschool, daycare or kindergarten is a big deal. It’s normal for kids to feel a tummy full of butterflies, even kids who are usually outgoing.
In the weeks before
- Visit the school. Walk or drive by. If you can, go inside or play on the playground.
- Talk about what the day will look like. Drop-off, circle time, snack, playtime, pickup. Knowing the plan makes it less scary.
- Read books about first days. Stories help kids see that other kids (and puppies) feel nervous too.
- Practice the morning routine. Try a few early mornings so the real one isn’t a shock.
The night before
- Pack the backpack together. Let them pick something small to bring, if the school allows it.
- Lay out the outfit. One less decision in the morning.
- Go to bed early. Tired kids have a harder time with big feelings.
- Let them talk about it. If they’re worried, listen. “Those are big feelings for a little kid” goes further than “You’ll be fine.”
A trick for the butterflies
Teach your child a breathing trick they can use anywhere: smell the flower, blow the bubble. Breathe in slowly through the nose, like smelling a flower. Breathe out slowly through the mouth, like blowing a big bubble. Practice it at home, then remind them they can use it at the classroom door.
At drop-off
- Keep goodbyes short and warm. A long goodbye can make it harder.
- Always say goodbye. Sneaking out can make kids more anxious next time.
- Tell them when you’ll be back. “I’ll pick you up after snack and playtime.”
After school
Ask specific questions. “Who did you sit next to?” works better than “How was school?” And celebrate how brave they were.
Watch the free read-along
Want to share the story with your kids? Here’s Penny’s Big First Day read aloud, page by page, in a calm bedtime voice.
Get the book
In Penny’s Big First Day, Penny can’t sleep the night before school. Mama teaches her to smell the flower and blow the bubble, and Penny ends up helping a new friend use the trick too. The printable book includes a first-day checklist and an All About My First Day page.
We also make a personalized version, “[Name]’s Big First Day,” with your child’s name right in the story.
Questions parents ask
How do I help my child with first day of school nerves?
Talk about what the day will look like, visit the school if you can, practice the morning routine and teach one simple calming trick, like a slow flower breath.
Is it normal for kids to cry at drop-off?
Yes, it’s very common, especially at the start of the year. A short, warm goodbye usually helps more than a long one. Most kids settle in soon after.
What can I put in my child’s backpack to help?
A small family photo, a note in their lunchbox or a little comfort item, if the school allows it, can help them feel connected during the day.