9 Essential Tips to Prepare for the First Day of School

I still remember the night before my child’s first day of school—my stomach buzzed with excitement and a hint of nerves. I knew that some planning could turn those jitters into confidence, so I set out nine simple steps that helped us feel ready and excited for that big morning. If you’re looking for back-to-school tips that feel friendly and straightforward, I’ve got you covered. Let’s walk through each tip, one by one.

1. Get Back to a Healthy Sleep Routine

The week before school, I shifted bedtime by 10–15 minutes earlier each night until we reached our target. A solid night’s rest helps kids stay alert and calm, so I ensured screens were off at least an hour before lights out. We read a chapter book together and dimmed the lights to signal winding down. By the third night, bedtime felt natural again. When you practice a sleep schedule in advance, mornings become smoother and your child’s energy lasts through the day.

2. Pick Out Outfits and Write a Checklist

I found that choosing clothes the night before removed a big source of morning stress. My child and I spread options on the bed—jeans, shirts, shoes—and chatted about what felt comfortable and fun. Then, I created a simple checklist: outfit, socks, shoes, and backpack. Placing the list on the dresser lets us tick off each item in the morning. This quick step made our first-day routine feel organized and put us in a positive mood before breakfast.

3. Sort and Label School Supplies

Gathering school supplies ahead of time saved us last-minute runs to the store. I emptied my child’s backpack from last year and laid out everything: pencils, notebooks, folders. We tossed what was worn out and bought replacements. I purchased colorful labels and stuck them on notebooks and bins to keep things tidy. Color-coding folders by subject made it easy for my child to grab the right one. Having supplies ready in a designated spot meant no frantic searching on the big day.

Pro-Tip:

I always tell parents that choosing a practical and stylish backpack boosts a child’s confidence on the first day of school. A trendy, cool backpack sets a positive tone and makes organizing supplies fun. Yohaki Toys has trendy Backpacks and a fantastic collection of Stuffed Toys for Kids.

4. Practice the Morning Routine

Two days before school, we set our alarm clock and ran a time trial of our full morning routine. We dressed, ate breakfast, grabbed backpacks, and walked to the bus stop. Timing ourselves showed that we needed just five more minutes, so we started laying out breakfast dishes and cereal boxes on the counter the night before. When the first day arrived, we flowed through the routine confidently without rushing or forgetting anything important.

5. Take a Quick Campus Tour

Visiting the school before classes started helped my child feel more at ease. We drove through the drop-off loop and walked inside to find the front office and cafeteria. A friendly staff member gave us a brief tour, pointing out the bathrooms and playground. My child practiced opening the classroom door and finding their desk space. When the first day arrived, these hallways and rooms felt familiar rather than intimidating.

6. Pack a Nutritious Breakfast and Lunch

I believe a healthy meal fuels a great start. On the morning of school, we had oatmeal topped with berries and a glass of milk—easy to prepare and filling. We prepped whole-grain turkey wraps, carrot sticks, and apple slices for lunch. I included a small note in the lunchbox that said, “Have fun today!” My child’s eyes lit up when they found it. A balanced lunch and breakfast help focus attention and steady energy through afternoon classes.

7. Talk Through Feelings and Set Simple Goals

Over dinner, we talked about first-day worries—“What if I can’t find my classroom?”—and I shared my own school stories. Hearing that I struggled with my locker gave my child permission to feel nervous. Then we set two easy goals: say “hi” to one classmate and ask the teacher one question. Framing goals this way turned anxiety into a fun challenge. When kids know what to expect and have small goals, they step into that first day purposefully.

8. Prepare Emergency and Comfort Items

I packed a small pouch with emergency contacts, allergy information, and a brief note on medications. I also slipped in a tiny keepsake—a photo of our family smiling. I explained that if they ever felt homesick, they could look at it for a quick pick-me-up. We practiced where this pouch lived in the backpack so it wouldn’t get lost. Having these items ready gave us peace of mind, knowing we were prepared for anything.

9. Celebrate the Big Day

On the morning of the first day, we made pancakes shaped like letters of the alphabet. We snapped a “First Day” photo with a chalkboard sign listing grade and date. Before heading out, I gave my child a high-five and reminded them to enjoy every moment. After school, we planned to share stories over ice cream. Turning the first day into a mini celebration made it feel special and fun, rather than just another weekday.

Bonus: A Simple Printable Checklist

If you like, you can print a one-page checklist that covers all these steps—sleep, clothes, supplies, routine, tour, meals, feelings, emergency kit, and celebration ideas. Having it on the fridge was a friendly reminder and kept us on track.

Wrapping Up

Starting school doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By practicing sleep routines, organizing clothes and supplies, and talking openly about feelings, you can set your child up for success and confidence. Little gestures—like a lunchbox note or a celebratory breakfast—go a long way in turning nerves into excitement. I hope these nine tips make your first school day as smooth and memorable as ours. If you have other ideas, I’d love to hear them—drop a comment below and let’s help every kid step into that classroom smiling!