{"id":1567,"date":"2025-08-21T22:33:54","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T22:33:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/?p=1567"},"modified":"2025-08-22T00:51:25","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T00:51:25","slug":"helping-children-feel-emotionally-ready-for-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/?p=1567","title":{"rendered":"Helping Children Feel Emotionally Ready for School"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1567\" class=\"elementor elementor-1567\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-36b1fee elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"36b1fee\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-dfbbbdb\" data-id=\"dfbbbdb\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4610451 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4610451\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Be Vietnam Pro&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 26px; font-weight: 700;\">New beginnings bring excitement\u2014but also nerves, for children <\/span><em style=\"font-family: &quot;Be Vietnam Pro&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 26px; font-weight: 700;\">and<\/em><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Be Vietnam Pro&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 26px; font-weight: 700;\"> parents.<\/span><\/h1>\n<p>As much as the start of a new school year is exciting, it\u2019s also filled with uncertainty. Some children can\u2019t wait to run into class, while others feel nervous, clingy, or unsure. As parents, we often feel those emotions right along with them.<\/p>\n<p>Supporting your child emotionally doesn\u2019t require big changes. It\u2019s about small, intentional actions that make them feel <strong>safe, seen, and supported<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2>How Parents Can Help<\/h2>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f5e3.svg\"> Talk About Feelings Openly<\/h3>\n<p>Ask simple, open questions and really listen. Instead of brushing worries away, validate them:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>\u201cIt sounds like you\u2019re a little nervous\u2014that makes sense, lots of children feel that way.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\ud83c\udfa8\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f3a8.svg\"> Use Play and Creativity<\/h3>\n<p>Younger children often express themselves best through play or art. Try role-playing the first day of school, drawing what they imagine, or reading a story about starting school together.<\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\ud83e\udd1d\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f91d.svg\"> Goodbye Rituals<\/h3>\n<p>Create a short, predictable goodbye: a hug, a phrase (\u201cYou\u2019re brave and ready, see you later!\u201d), or a wave at the same spot each day. This consistency helps children feel secure.<\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\ud83d\udc8c\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f48c.svg\"> Stay Connected<\/h3>\n<p>Slip a note, doodle, or small token in their bag as a reminder of home. Even knowing it\u2019s there can comfort them.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\ud83d\udcdd\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f4dd.svg\"> Extra: Questions to Ask Your Child<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>What are you most excited about at school?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Is there something that makes you feel unsure?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>What do you think will be different this year?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Who are you looking forward to seeing?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>What would help you feel more comfortable on the first day?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\u2728\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/2728.svg\"> <strong>Final Thought<\/strong><br>Children don\u2019t just carry their school bag on the first day\u2014they carry their feelings too. By giving space to talk, play, and connect, we prepare them not only for the classroom but also for the courage it takes to begin something new.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h1>2. Routines That Make Mornings Easier<\/h1>\n<h3>We\u2019ve all had those mornings with missing shoes, half-eaten breakfasts, and rushing out the door.<\/h3>\n<p>Mornings can set the tone for the whole day\u2014when they\u2019re calm, children arrive at school more relaxed and ready to learn. When they\u2019re chaotic, children often carry that stress into the classroom.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2>How Parents Can Help<\/h2>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\ud83d\udecf\ufe0f\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f6cf.svg\"> Prepare the Night Before<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Lay out clothes and shoes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Pack the school bag (check homework, snacks, water).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Set aside a breakfast choice so the morning feels lighter.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\u23f0\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/23f0.svg\"> Gentle Wake-Ups<\/h3>\n<p>Instead of rushing, give children time to adjust. A soft wake-up routine with natural light, calm music, or a cuddle helps children start the day peacefully.<\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\u2705\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/2705.svg\"> Visual Checklists<\/h3>\n<p>Younger children love visuals\u2014use a chart with pictures of each morning step (dress, breakfast, teeth, bag, shoes). Older children can use a short list they tick off themselves.<\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f37d.svg\"> Breakfast Matters<\/h3>\n<p>A calm family breakfast, even if it\u2019s short, is better than eating in the car. It\u2019s also a chance to check in emotionally before the day starts.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\ud83d\udcdd\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f4dd.svg\"> Extra: Free \u201cMorning &amp; Evening Routine Chart\u201d<\/h2>\n<p>You can offer parents a simple printable routine chart they can stick on the fridge or in their child\u2019s room. This helps children take ownership, reduces nagging, and makes mornings smoother.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\u2728\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/2728.svg\"> <strong>Final Thought<\/strong><br>Mornings don\u2019t have to be perfect\u2014but with small changes in preparation and routine, they can become calmer, more joyful, and a positive start to your child\u2019s school day.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h1>3. Reducing Screen Time for Better Sleep &amp; Focus<\/h1>\n<h3>Screens are part of everyday life\u2014but too much before bed affects children\u2019s sleep, mood, and focus.<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s tempting to use a tablet or TV in the evening to relax children after a long day. But research shows that screens before bedtime make it harder for children to fall asleep and stay rested. A tired child struggles more with focus, learning, and self-regulation in the classroom.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2>How Parents Can Help<\/h2>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\u23f3\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/23f3.svg\"> Create a Digital Curfew<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Aim for <strong>no screens at least 1 hour before bedtime<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Replace screens with calm alternatives: reading, puzzles, quiet play, or family chats.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\ud83d\udecf\ufe0f\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f6cf.svg\"> Make Bedrooms Screen-Free<\/h3>\n<p>Keep devices outside bedrooms at night. Use an alarm clock instead of a phone. This helps children fall asleep faster and deeper.<\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83d\udc67\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f468-200d-1f469-200d-1f467.svg\"> Lead by Example<\/h3>\n<p>Children copy adults. If parents also put away phones in the evening, children learn that winding down without screens is normal.<\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\ud83c\udfa8\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f3a8.svg\"> Replace, Don\u2019t Remove<\/h3>\n<p>If cutting screens completely feels impossible, swap them for slower-paced, calming activities\u2014like audiobooks, drawing, or bedtime yoga.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\ud83d\udcdd\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f4dd.svg\"> Extra: Gentle Tips for Families Who Say \u201cIt\u2019s Impossible\u201d<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Start small\u2014begin with 15 minutes less screen time and slowly build up.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Involve your child\u2014ask what activity they\u2019d like to do instead.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Use tools\u2014Wi-Fi timers or parental controls can reduce conflict.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Focus on benefits\u2014remind children how much better mornings feel when they\u2019re rested.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\u2728\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/2728.svg\"> <strong>Final Thought<\/strong><br>Reducing screens before bed isn\u2019t about restriction\u2014it\u2019s about protecting children\u2019s sleep, focus, and wellbeing. With gentle, realistic steps, families can find a balance that supports both healthy routines and a calmer start to each school day.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6904255 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6904255\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-33572c5\" data-id=\"33572c5\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-93e84d7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"93e84d7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"206\" src=\"http:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Logo-r-1024x330.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1111\" alt=\"Kids in Malta, Fun in Malta, adventure in Malta, day out in Malta , family Fun in Malta, activity in Malta, activities in Malta, sports in Malta, walks in Malta, sea in Malta, restaurants in Malta, play in Malta, education in Malta, health in Malta, pharmacy in Malta, hospital in Malta, Doctor Dr. in Malta, extra curriculum in Malta, fun ideas for kids in Malta, fun ideas for children in Malta, indoor play in Malta with Kids, museums in Malta, visit Malta,Visit Malta with kids, Visit Malta with children, Travel Malta with kids, travel Malta with children, visiting Malta, boat trips in Malta , sup boarding in Malta, surfing in Malta, Hiking in Malta, Play cafe in Malta, organised events in Malta , summer schools in Malta, kindergarten in Malta, School transport in Malta, day at the pool in Malta, lessons in Malta, tuition in Malta, identity Malta, schools in Malta, Private schools in Malta, Church schools in Malta, government in Malta, family hotels in Malta, kids friendly hotels in Malta, waterparks in Malta, Uniforms in Malta, Stationery in Malta, baby sitting in Malta, au pairs in Malta, family friendly boat rentals, carseat rentals Malta, car rental in Malta, football clubs in Malta, Fireworks in Malta, summer holidays in Malta, valletta for Kids, Valletta waterfront with kids, children activity, birthday parties and events in Malta, catering in Malta, birthday Cakes in Malta, fiesta in Malta, feast in Malta, Dace classes in Malta, bouncy castles in Malta, art classes in Malta, child care in Malta, tennis for children in Malta, tennis for kids in Malta, foam party in Malta, ball park in Malta, trampoline park in Malta, mother baby sessions in Malta, stand up paddle board in Malta, physio therapy in Malta, stationery in Malta, climbing in Malta, snorkelling in Malta, diving in Malta, horse riding in Malta, petting farm in Malta, zoo in Malta, kinds and animals in Malta, pet shop in Malta, vet in Malta, worships in Malta, flights to Malta, airpot in Malta, fishing in Malta, private lesson in Malta, online lesson for kids, Children in Malta\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New beginnings bring excitement\u2014but also nerves, for children and parents. As much as the start of a new school year is exciting, it\u2019s also filled with uncertainty. Some children can\u2019t [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[202,88,137,160,357],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1567","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-child-development","category-parenting-tips-and-resources","category-parenting-tips-in-malta","category-practical-tips-for-malta-residents","category-schools-and-schooling"],"rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Enas","author_link":"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/?author=2"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/?cat=202\" rel=\"category\">Child Development<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/?cat=88\" rel=\"category\">Parenting Tips and Resources<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/?cat=137\" rel=\"category\">Parenting Tips in Malta<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/?cat=160\" rel=\"category\">Practical Tips for Malta Residents<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/?cat=357\" rel=\"category\">Schools and Schooling<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"New beginnings bring excitement\u2014but also nerves, for children and parents. As much as the start of a new school year is exciting, it\u2019s also filled with uncertainty. Some children can\u2019t [&hellip;]","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1567","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1567"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1567\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1642,"href":"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1567\/revisions\/1642"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1567"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1567"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kidsinmalta.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1567"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}