The back-to-school season is an exciting time, but it can also bring a mix of emotions for children. From meeting new teachers to adjusting to new routines, these transitions can feel overwhelming. Emotional readiness plays a key role in making this period smoother for children, and the right tools, toys, and practical strategies can provide comfort, build confidence, and support emotional regulation.
Why Emotional Support Matters During Back-to-School
Children often experience stress, excitement, or nervousness as they head back to school. Emotional support tools and toys can:
Help children process and manage big emotions.
Build confidence and self-awareness.
Provide sensory regulation for focus and calmness.
Foster a sense of security in unfamiliar environments.
Here are some of the best back-to-school tools, toys, and cost-free strategies to support your child’s emotional transition.
1. Calming Sensory Tools
Sensory tools can help children regulate their emotions and find focus in busy classrooms.
Weighted Lap Pads: A great tool for calming nerves and improving focus during class. Shop Weighted Lap Pads at Growing Kind.
Fidget Toys: From spinners to stress balls, these tools are discreet and perfect for helping kids channel nervous energy. As a teacher, my favourite fidgets are those that can fit in the palm of your hand, cannot pop and are quiet. Explore Fidget Toys at Growing Kind.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Ideal for children who feel overstimulated by classroom noise. Find Noise-Cancelling Headphones on Amazon (referral link).
2. Emotional Expression and Regulation Tools
Encouraging children to express and understand their feelings is crucial for emotional growth.
Feelings Journals: A space for kids to write or draw their emotions. Discover Feelings Journals on Amazon.
Emotion Flashcards: Help children identify and label their emotions, building self-awareness. Shop Emotion Flashcards at Growing Kind.
Calming Bottles: Watching glitter settle in a calming bottle can help kids self-soothe during stressful moments. Find Calming Bottles at Growing Kind.
3. Practical (and Cost-Free) Suggestions for Emotional Readiness
If your child is starting school for the first time, these simple, no-cost strategies can help ease the transition:
Use Your Lunchbox Early: Start using your child’s lunchbox a few weeks before school begins. Practice opening and closing it to build independence and confidence. Our favourite lunch boxes are the B.Box Bento style that open and close with one clip. They fit perfectly into Montii Co lunch bags.
Add a Uniform to Play: Include a school uniform in your child’s dress-up play to make trying it on fun and pressure-free.
Break In Shoes: Encourage your child to wear their new school shoes at home to avoid discomfort. Practice tying laces or opt for easy laces or velcro options if your school allows.
Handle Hair Troubles Early: Use a sensory brush to ease hair brushing, or try braids that can last a few days.
Show Photos of School: Familiarise your child with their school environment by showing them pictures of the building, their classroom, and their teacher if available.
4. Comfort Items for a Sense of Security
Sometimes, a familiar or comforting object can make all the difference in a new environment.
- Plush Toys or Keychains: Small, portable items that remind kids of home.
- Aromatherapy Bracelets: Scents like lavender can help calm anxiety. Check your school allows jewellery in their uniform policy. Shop Aromatherapy Bracelets on Amazon.
- Family Photo Keychains: A tangible reminder of loved ones for reassurance during the day. Explore Photo Keychains on Amazon.
5. Back-to-School Books
Stories can provide relatable scenarios that ease back-to-school jitters.
- Books About First-Day Feelings: Titles like The Kissing Hand can help children navigate emotions. Books we love include:
– The Invisible String
– Starting School
– The Day you Begin
– First Day Jitters - Mindfulness Activities: Teach kids breathing techniques and strategies for staying calm. Shop Mindfulness Activities at Growing Kind.
6. Establish Routines with Routine Charts
Routines provide a sense of stability and predictability, which can be especially comforting during times of transition.
Create a Visual Routine Chart: Outline morning, after-school, and bedtime routines with visual aids to help children know what to expect. If you prefer a ready made routine chart, check out our magnetic options which are perfect for on the fridge.
Practice Before School Starts: Run through the routine a few times in advance so your child feels prepared.
Celebrate Success: Use stickers or other small rewards to motivate and encourage your child as they adapt to the new routine.
Tips for Parents
Start Early: Introduce these tools and strategies a few weeks before school starts to build familiarity.
Involve Your Child: Let them choose the items or activities they feel most comfortable with.
Practice Together: Demonstrate how to use tools like fidget toys or calming bottles effectively.
Stay Positive: Encourage open conversations about their feelings and reassure them that it’s okay to feel nervous.
Local Options in Logan City/Bethania
If you are local to the Logan City or Bethania area, come and visit our local toy shop for essential back-to-school items. We stock lunchboxes, water bottles, school whiteboards, and more to make the transition smoother for your child.
Check our store hours beore visiting:
2/11 Fletcher Road, Bethania QLD 4205
The transition back to school can be an emotional rollercoaster, but with the right tools, toys, and practical strategies, you can help your child navigate it with confidence and ease. From sensory aids to comforting reminders of home, and even simple cost-free ideas, small efforts can make a big impact on their emotional well-being.
A little preparation goes a long way in making this school year a positive and exciting experience.
