If your little one is going to start school in a couple of weeks like mine is, your feelings will probably be mixed with excitement about this new chapter of their lives and trepidation about how they (and you) will cope with the change. 

Don’t worry, it’s totally normal, and there have definitely been times this summer I’ve looked at my just-turned-four-year-old and thought, “How can you be starting school when it only felt like yesterday we were weaning you with avocado and cucumber sticks?”. 

But, whatever your feelings about your preschooler taking the next step are, the time is nearly upon us. So here are some tips on how you can get them ready for their biggest adventure yet. 

Talk about it - but not too much

Most four-year-olds can’t really understand what they are about to embark on, so it is important to keep the topic of school in the conversation. This way it won’t come as a shock to them when September starts. 

Tell them what they’ll have to wear, what the school rules might be, and what they can expect to happen during the school day. 

There are some great picture books out there like Usborne’s Why Do I Have To Go To School? that lets youngsters learn a bit more about what their school day will look like, and can remove some of their worries. 

At the same time, it’s wise not to talk too much about school, as this could create anxiety. Making it seem like a huge deal will only make them worry more, so talk about it in a matter of fact way instead of bursting into tears about “losing your little baby” every five minutes (*not guilty at all*). 

Talk about the great things

If your child loves sandpits, remind them of all the sand toys they can play with. If they like dressing up, tell them about the costume corner. Reminding them of the things they will like in their classroom will get them excited about it, and relieve some of your own worry about them starting. 

Whether you attended a ‘stay and play’ or have photos of the school from the brochure or website, you can show your child what they can expect, where their favourite toys or books might be, and what they can look forward to during the school day. 

My kids loved the idea of free play, storytime and unlimited fruit, so find something your child will enjoy and remind them of it. 

Start the morning routine

Nobody wants to end the summer holiday prematurely by making their child wake up early and rushing to get out of the house, but it could be worthwhile getting them into a good morning routine before the first day. 

This way, you don’t have to panic or stress at the beginning of term, as you are both already used to waking up early, having breakfast, brushing teeth, getting dressed and leaving the house on time. 

It is also wise to practise the school run, so they become familiar with it. School-starters only have little legs and might not be used to walking far, so if you have to walk to school, get them used to the route first.

By doing this, you can be confident you’ll be able to get your ‘first day at school’ photos in a calm and pleasant way, instead of rushing to get out of the door! 

Develop self-care skills

Before they start school, there are some things that are important for children to be able to do, including going to the toilet by themselves, getting dressed or undressed, washing their hands, feeding themselves and tidying up. 

Don’t panic if your child can’t, particularly if you have a summer baby (like I do), as they are still so very young. Encouraging them to do these things independently will give them a good start, but they will soon pick up the habits from seeing their friends do them. 

Having said that, teaching good hygiene skills will help you to ward off those pesky bugs children always bring home once they start school! 

Book weekend or holiday workshops

Although your little one will probably be exhausted after a week of school at the beginning, it is a good idea to book them into some weekend or holiday activity workshops. 

This will not only give them something to look forward to at the end of the week, but if you book some that their school friends are attending, this will also help develop friendships. 

Some clubs, such as Kiddy Cook’s workshops, also help develop important abilities needed in Reception, including fine motor; personal, social and emotional; and communication skills. 

Keep them close by

Some children breeze through the school gates while others are much more worried about their first day. Whatever way your little one reacts, it is important to remind them that you are close by to reassure them. One way you can do this is with the 'hug button'.

Draw a heart on the inside of both their hand and yours and ‘charge’ them by holding hands at the start of the day. The idea is that when they press the heart, they will feel your hugs. This makes them feel connected with you, so they feel safer and braver during their first few days at big school. 

For more hints and tips and information about future classes for preschoolers that will help get them ready for school, email natasha@kiddycook.co.uk.