SCHOOL READINESS: SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S/ YOUTH’S TRANSITION WITH CARE AND CONFIDENCE
August 2025
SCHOOL READINESS: SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S/ YOUTH’S TRANSITION WITH CARE AND CONFIDENCE
As a mother and both an educator and psychotherapist, I have walked alongside many families preparing their children for school. Whether your little one is entering kindergarten for the very first time or your teenager is moving into a new grade or from secondary to post-secondary, this transition brings excitement, uncertainty, and sometimes worries. Parents and guardians play a central role in helping their child feel safe, confident and supported.
Keep reading as I share a few insights and resources to help you and your child/teen prepare for school with confidence!
First Day Jitters: A Normal Part of Growth!
It is completely natural for both children and parents to feel nervous before the first day of school. Separation anxiety, worries about making friends, or uncertainty about routines can all contribute to “first day jitters.” Feeling these nerves is not a sign of weakness; they are simply a part of learning something new.
Want to overcome them? Here are a few strategies you might find helpful…
Normalize feelings: Let your child know that it is okay to feel nervous and that many others feel the same way.
Practice Routines: Establishing bedtime, morning, and after-school routines before the start of the school year can help to create predictability and a sense of safety.
School Visit: Visiting the classroom, meeting the teacher or even exploring the playground/yard can help to ease worries.
Starting School for the First Time: Kindergarten Readiness
Kindergarten is an exciting milestone. While some parents may wonder if their child is ready to start school, readiness is not only about academics. In kindergarten, there is a strong emphasis on social, emotional and self-regulation skills.
Encourage:
Independence: Practicing putting on shoes, opening lunch containers, and tidying up.
Social Skills: Role-playing how to introduce themselves, ask for help, and take turns.
Emotional Expression: Helping children identify and name their feelings builds resilience and trust.
Hygiene: Independent toileting (potty-trained), washing hands and changing clothes.
The Ministry of Education in Ontario emphasizes that learning in kindergarten is play-based, focusing on curiosity and exploration rather than traditional approaches to academics.
Special Needs/ Exceptionalities: Understanding Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Grades K-12
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a collaborative document created by educators, specialists, and parents to ensure students can access learning in a way that meets their strengths and needs. It can only be established if a formal diagnosis by a medical doctor, specialist, psychiatrist or psychologist has been made. If you believe your child may benefit from an IEP, speak with their homeroom and resource teacher. Please note that IEPs support both students who are gifted and those with exceptionalities and special needs. For more information about IEPs, check out the Ontario Ministry of Education website.
Common Fears: Bullying, Peer Pressure, and Mental Health
School can sometimes feel overwhelming for children and youth. Concerns about bullying, peer pressure, and mental health risks such as depression or suicidal thoughts should not be overlooked.
Bullying: Encourage open communication. If your child feels unsafe, take their concerns seriously and collaborate with teachers/professors, counsellors, therapists and administrators.
Peer Pressure: Teach decision-making and self-advocacy skills early. Children who feel confident in their identity are better equipped to resist unhealthy influences.
Suicide Prevention: Warning signs can include withdrawal, changes in sleep or appetite, giving away belongings, or talking about hopelessness. If you ever suspect your child or teenager is in danger, seek immediate assistance.
Resources:
Kids Help Phone – Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 for free, confidential support.
Talk Suicide Canada – Call 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 (24/7 service).
IN SERIOUS INSTANCES, PLEASE CALL 911
Young Adults: Transitioning from Secondary to Post-Secondary… a Few Tips!
Moving from high school to college or university is an exciting step, but it also comes with new challenges. Some students may face struggles with time management, procrastination, balancing responsibilities, newfound independence and navigating finances with school tuition or even a part-time job.
Consider these quick tips to help ease your transition:
Plan Ahead: Use a calendar or app to track classes, assignments, and deadlines.
Chunk Tasks: Break tasks into steps. Smaller goals make procrastination less tempting.
Build Routines: Consistent sleep, meals, and study habits support success.
Seek Support Early: Connect with academic advisors, financial aid offices, or student services.
Final Thoughts
Transitions to school, whether starting kindergarten, moving to a new grade, or navigating challenges with learning and peer relationships, can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone!
At Nurish Psychotherapy, we have a strong team of therapists and educators equipped to support students as they transition into school and beyond. We specialize in working with children, youth and adults with exceptionalities, including anxiety, ASD, ADHD, OCD, and learning disabilities.
Our passion is helping families nurture resilience, self-confidence, and hope. Together, we support children in feeling safe, supported, and ready to thrive.
We wish everyone returning to school the very best and a great first day of school!
Patrice Hall-Johnson