Preparing for Back to School Regulation

Why Back-to-School Requires Regulation Support

Returning to school after the holidays is a huge transition. New classrooms, new teachers, new expectations, changed routines, uniforms, lunchboxes, and sensory environments can all feel overwhelming.

Children need:

• emotional preparation

• sensory preparation

• predictable routines

• connection and reassurance
  

How to Prepare Your Child Gently and Effectively

1. Re-establish Routines Slowly

Start with:

• waking up 10–15 minutes earlier

• reintroducing breakfast routine

• setting out clothes

• packing a bag together
  

Build gradually over 1–2 weeks.

2. Prepare the Sensory System

Help your child build regulation capacity through:

• heavy work play

• playground time

• swimming

• drawing, colouring, craft (excellent for school readiness)

• simple learning games (bottle cap games, chalk letters, treasure hunts)
  

These support attention, motor planning, and calm bodies.

3. Use Visuals to Reduce Anxiety

Try:

• a “countdown to school” calendar

• photos of the school

• simple social stories

• a visual map of the morning routine
  

Visuals reduce uncertainty.

4. Rebuild Emotional Confidence

Children thrive when they feel capable and connected.

Connection rituals:

• read together daily

• play a simple game

• write stories together

• do craft or colouring
  

These activities build:

• emotional security

• cognitive readiness

• fine motor confidence

5. Prepare for Separation

Use gentle language:

• “Your teacher will help keep you safe.”

• “You can always ask for help.”

• “I will pick you up after school.”

Predictable reassurance helps children move forward with confidence.

Final Takeaway

Back to school success has less to do with stationery and more to do with regulation, confidence, and emotional readiness. Small, daily moments of connection and structure can make the transition much smoother.