Yes, getting them ready with potty training and scissor training can help - yet social skills are much more important for a great start in school. Spend time building their communication and teamwork skills so they can get along with their new peers and teachers.

Help make school easier for everyone by creating routines for before & after school so that your littles know what to expect. Consistent routines around new experiences help your littles feel safer with a big change.

Prep your little’s lunchbox or snacks the night before, including that day’s clothes and anything you may need to get yourselves out the door as smoothly as possible in the morning when all you want is your coffee.

Spend time in the morning connecting with your little one emotionally. Hugs, storytime, affirmations & eye contact are all great ways to give them that one-on-one time they crave and build their confidence.

Make sure your little eats something for breakfast before they head out the door. Skip the sugary stuff and offer them options with protein, carbs and fat to give them a great start to a day full of fun and learning.

On the way there, talk about how much fun your little will have in class with their teacher and new friends. Play stories or music in the car to get them excited, and tell them how happy you’ll be to see them later.

Always be prepared with everything you need that the teacher asks for, and more. Teachers deserve our respect and that includes making sure to make your child’s school prep a priority.

Be on time - for the reason that your little will feel awkward walking in alone without any other kids. It can give them anxiety to get dropped off/picked up late (or early!) so this one is worth the extra effort.

As the start of the school year progresses, keep tabs on your little’s emotions. After the excitement wanes sometimes other feelings can bubble up so make sure to check in with your little as the year progresses.

Use the opportunity of these new social circles to make connections with other parents that you vibe with. These can be great starts for play-dates and more, helping your littles learn how to make friends and have some extra fun.