7 tips for parents with children starting reception….

My youngest is starting school in the next week, and with my eldest already there, it got me thinking about advice I would have found useful. It can be daunting for everyone when your little one starts reception. It’s an end of an era, and the start of something new. There are a million articles about how to transition your child into reception, but what about you?! Here are some things I found when my eldest started:

1.      Try not to worry.

Ahhhh parenting competitions. If it’s not how quickly they sat up alone, it’s what reading level they are on. My absolute top tip is to try not to get involved. Your child is a completely unique individual, they will learn at their own speed in their own time. It doesn’t matter if they are going into reception not knowing any phonics, they have their whole life to learn.

2.      Parenting admin

It’s a lot at the beginning. So much added admin that you never knew existed. Put a list on the front door of what you need each day that you can quickly glance through before you leave. Get their clothes out the night before to avoid running around like a headless chicken trying to find a lost shoe at 7 am. Water bottles by the sink ready to be filled, book bags backed. It’s a pain to do it the night before but morning you will always thank you!

3.      Restraint collapse

This was a big one for me, as my eldest is a deeply feelings kid. There is a lot for them to take in at school, everything is new and exciting. You may find, for the first few weeks, when they get back from school and relax…. they have major meltdowns. This is totally normal, as the adrenaline from the day ebbs, and they feel safe. It’s a bit like when you’ve had your first day at work and you come home, and you are totally exhausted. Don’t worry about it – it does get better.

4.      Making friends – the parenting edition.

Put yourself out there.  It can feel daunting when you’re at the school gates surrounded by other parents. You feel awkward randomly striking up conversation with someone…but I can guarantee they feel the same! Say hello, swop the number – it’ll be the best thing you ever did.

5.      Making friends – the child edition.

Going into reception is a big social leap for your child. Suddenly, there are friends, best friends, arguments, sadness, joy and everything else in between. The first time your child comes home and says, “no one played with me” or “so and so says I’m not invited to their birthday party” (the ultimate 5-year-old insult) you want to rip your heart out. This is all super normal, they’re learning about friendships and it can be hard. You’ll be amazed though, by the next day, they won’t remember it even happened!

6.      You will forget stuff.

You will forget that it’s PE day, or that they needed a random shoe box for art, or they were meant to bring in 20p for children in need. THAT’S OK. You’re only human, mistakes happen. And will continue to happen. Remember you’re doing your best.

7.      Get your term dates.

Most school know when the Christmas show is happening, or sports day, or that random music festival. Get the dates early and put them in your diary. Particularly if you work, it means you can make plans in advance if you want to attend.

8.      Oh and on working….

If you are a working parent and cannot pick up at 315 every day, have to send your children to aftercare, wrap around care, breakfast club…DO NOT FEEL GUILTY. I beg you. Just don’t.

With your little one starting school, do you want to capture those first memories?! Get in touch for a “starting school” shoot.