The new school year is fast approaching. If your child already goes to school, they are probably waiting for it with excitement. However, if they will be going there for the first time, one of the most important moments of their life so far is approaching! This is a new stage - unknown, but full of exciting possibilities, interesting and intriguing. Many challenges lie ahead of us, especially since this school year - due to the COVID-19 epidemic - looks set to be unusual, and really no one knows 100% how it will unfold.

How to make the start of school a beautiful introduction to your child's further education?

To make the upcoming moments easier for you, below I've included a handful of suggestions on how to prepare your child for school and how to create a positive image of it.

1. Do some research beforehand and be with your child on the first day of school

If you haven't had the chance to attend an Open Day, go even now - you may not be able to get inside, but look at the building, walk around the sports field, try to guess which class your child will be in and what teachers they will have. And most importantly - be with your child during the first day of school! Experience this important moment with them, look at the classroom, the desks, meet other children, talk to the class teacher. This kind of getting used to a new place with a Parent matters.

2. Emphasise the positives of going to school

Talk about how many interesting things they will learn, what they will discover, what adventures they will experience, or what great friends they will meet. It's also about reinforcing your child's positive traits, whether it's knowing letters or being able to tie shoelaces. Every positive message helps strengthen their sense of self-confidence.

3. Teach your child independence…

Your child probably already manages dressing well. Just in case, it's worth checking whether they are equally good at putting on every item of clothing. Don't forget about outerwear either, as children will often go out to the playground, for a walk, or on organised outings. It's best to dress them in layers, e.g. a short sleeve top and a sweatshirt, so they're equipped in case of a sudden weather change during the day. On days with PE, it's worth remembering that your child should wear clothes that are easy to change in and out of. It's also worth leaving a spare T-shirt or pair of trousers in your child's locker, in case they get dirty at lunch or on the playground during break. Remember that clothes should be unrestrictive and comfortable. And if your child feels good in them, they will be more confident, and will also feel more comfortable at school.

4. …also in getting ready for school

Yes, the first days at school will be hectic, but don't get your child used to you packing their bag. At the start, do it together - read the class timetable, choose what will be needed and prepare everything the day before (to save yourselves the morning stress!). This way, you'll build a habit of regularity in your child. Check that everything is fine, but don't do the tasks for them. If they forget to pack something, they'll learn to remember it next time. It's worth preparing for the start of school in a way that makes those first days easier, e.g.:

• let your child choose by themselves what they want to wear to school the evening before.
• if you need to, always keep in the same place and within reach: the locker key, spare shoes, lunch card, etc.
• prepare a small, soft pencil case, well equipped with sharpened crayons, pencils, an eraser, a sharpener, etc.
• choose the backpack well. If your child leaves textbooks and a PE bag in their locker, then you need

5. Plan the daily schedule together

Chaos and the lack of a daily routine don't help anyone. Especially not a pupil who is learning a new reality. This creates unnecessary stress for every family member. Order will be very helpful for your child, as they feel calmer when they know what's coming. A jointly agreed plan of action and a completed timetable, which they can keep in their pencil case, will help them keep their nerves in check during the first weeks of school. They will always be able to check when mum is coming to pick them up and what the next lesson is. This also applies to morning rituals related to waking up, getting dressed, having breakfast and getting ready to leave the house. This increases the chance that nothing will be forgotten. A planner will help you with all of this, which you'll receive as a gift when shopping at mybasic.eu!

6. Don't transfer your fears onto your child, don't scare your child with school

Children can sense adults' stress very well, so if you worry about your little one starting school, you'll pass your nerves onto your child. And you certainly don't want that. Scaring a child is the worst thing you can do. Instead, it's worth recalling your own school days, showing that you too had worries before starting school, but managed to deal with them one way or another.

7. Prepare the school kit together

Choosing a pencil case, crayons, a PE bag or clothes can be a fantastic shared adventure that makes thoughts about school more pleasant. Set aside time to go school shopping together, enjoy those hours, and use the opportunity to clear up any doubts. Regardless of how the situation develops, it's also worth equipping your child with a face mask – one can be kept in their backpack, and another just in case in their locker.

8. Remind them of hygiene rules

Toilets at school differ from those in nursery, so it's worth reminding your child how to use them and wash their hands, and also explaining how they can let the teacher know during a lesson that they need to use the toilet.

9. Choose something for luck

A favourite soft toy, a small toy, a holiday photo – choose something small they can carry to school, which will be a source of support in a tougher moment.

10. Don't dismiss your child's problems and let them be themselves

Remember that what may seem trivial or absurd to you can sometimes be an insurmountable issue for a little one, one they can't cope with on their own. To deal with it, they need your support, so be there for them – listen, try to find a solution together, give them a hug. At the same time, always remember that your child is an independent individual, not a mini version of you. Their reactions will differ from yours, no matter how hard you try to instil the same behaviours you have. Let them be, that's completely normal – even if they want to wear every piece of clothing in a different colour. You can make things easier for yourself by buying clothes at MyBasic.eu, so you can be sure everything matches.

That's it. This list could go on, with more points added, but above all, remember to be a vigilant observer who quickly spots any situations that need attention. Be with your child, and for your child. Regardless of whether they charm the whole class instantly, or the adaptation process happens slowly, step by step, observe them and respond with support. Children naturally enjoy learning new things, so your positive presence and support will only help them grow.

I wish your children a wonderful, successful school year!