Entry into the 1st year of schooling:

The beginning of a child's school life, especially the first year of school, is a time marked by new experiences and emotions, for both adults and children.

At this time of year (August), it is common for many parents to feel worried or even scared about their children starting school and, often, this anxiety ends up being involuntarily transmitted to the children.

How parents experience this moment profoundly influences how their children experience it. If adults are anxious or fearful, children are likely to be too. Children absorb the emotional environment around them: if parents show fear, they may believe there's something to be afraid of. We often hear phrases like, "Now it's going to be serious... playtime is over!" The intention may be harmless, but this type of speech tends to increase children's concern on a day that should be light, happy, and carefree.

On the contrary, when parents are enthusiastic, confident, and positive, they help their children feel secure. Their message should be welcoming and reassuring, emphasizing discovery, growth, and new friendships. Phrases like "You'll learn new things," "You'll make friends," and "It'll be an adventure!" can be used. Parents can help prepare for this day in a positive way: Talking about the school routine: Explain what will happen, starting school, classes, recess, and who will pick them up at the end. Predictability creates security. Telling stories about school: If possible, visit the school together before the first day. Talking about teachers positively: Introducing them as friendly and caring people. Reading books on the topic: They are excellent for normalizing feelings and encouraging dialogue. Avoid comparisons: Each child adapts at their own pace. Include the child in the preparation: Choose their backpack, pencil case, and clothes together. This participation increases enthusiasm and a sense of autonomy.

Building a consistent routine at home, such as establishing regular times for waking up, eating, doing homework, and sleeping, helps children feel secure and organized. A well-defined routine makes it easier to adapt to the school structure. Promoting independence by encouraging children to dress themselves, pack their backpacks, put away their coats, and prepare their snacks are small, everyday gestures that give them the confidence to face new challenges at school with greater ease.

Stimulating curiosity and learning outside of school, such as visiting libraries, museums, gardens, and exhibitions, is a way to demonstrate that learning can (and should) be fun and shared as a family.

Family involvement in their children's schooling is one of the most important factors for academic, social, and emotional success throughout childhood and adolescence. It's important for parents to actively engage, such as establishing close relationships with teachers, introducing themselves at the beginning of the year, expressing willingness to collaborate, and asking how they can support their child's learning at home.

Ideally, both parents should be listed as guardians. If this isn't feasible, it's important to define who will take on this role and how information will be shared. One way to ensure good participation is to maintain an open communication channel with the school, using the daily notebook, email, or digital platforms to monitor your children's academic progress. Use these platforms not only to report difficulties but also to praise and recognize progress.

Other ways to ensure this active participation are, for example, participating in school meetings and activities, being present at parties, fairs, visits and meetings, which also convey to the child the idea that school is valued.

When parents are separated, the child's first day of school should be experienced calmly and happily, free from parental conflict. The focus should be on their well-being and emotional security. To achieve this, it's important for parents to plan in advance how drop-off and attendance will be handled, avoiding improvisation. Avoiding last-minute decisions reduces the risk of tension and ensures everything runs smoothly. When deciding whether both parents will be present at school, it's important to agree in advance how each moment will be managed so that everything is harmonious. The child should be protected from conflict, avoiding arguments, negative messages, or derogatory comments about the other parent. When the relationship is cordial, it's a good idea for both parents to accompany the child to the door or to class. If this isn't possible, they can alternate, with one parent dropping off and the other picking up.

The first day of school is an important milestone in a child's life. With emotional support, positive language, and a loving and secure presence, parents can transform this moment into a confident step toward independence, learning, and building happy memories.