How to Prepare Children for the Return to School with Health and Confidence

The return to school marks the beginning of a new phase in the academic year — with new challenges, learning experiences, and social interactions. For many children, it’s an exciting moment; for others, it can bring anxiety, insecurity, and even physical symptoms such as stomachaches or changes in sleep patterns. The good news is that with careful preparation, this transition can be smoother, safer, and more positive.

🧠 Emotional preparation is just as important as packing the schoolbag

Children’s emotions should be validated and approached with empathy. It’s normal to feel nervous about the unknown: new teachers, different classmates, and new routines.

How to help:

• Talk about school in a positive and realistic way
• Remind them of good moments from the previous school year
• Be open to listening to fears or doubts without judgment
• Ask open-ended questions like “What are you looking forward to this year?” or “What makes you feel anxious?”

🕒 Gradually establish routines

Getting back to school schedules shouldn’t happen overnight. Ideally, begin a gradual adjustment about a week before school starts, setting bedtime and wake-up times closer to school-year norms.

Include in the routine:

• Meal and sleep schedules
• Time reserved for reading or calm activities
• Screen-free relaxation breaks

🍎 Health care: what not to overlook

Going back to school also means keeping an eye on the child’s physical health.

Important check-ups:

• Update on vaccination records
• Pediatric check-up (weight, vision, growth)
• Eye exam if there are signs of visual difficulties
• Balanced nutrition: encourage meals with fruits, vegetables, protein, and proper hydration

💡 Extra tip: prepare healthy snacks together — this increases interest and commitment.

🎒 Practical organization: supplies and safety

Shopping for school supplies can be a great opportunity for involvement and empowerment.

Suggestions:

• Make the shopping list with your child
• Choose a suitable backpack (lightweight, wide padded straps)
• Highlight the importance of labeling belongings
• If the child is younger, practice using the lunchbox, coat, and backpack together

👫 Strengthen social bonds and confidence

For children starting at a new school or class, or who don’t know many classmates, it helps to encourage contact before the term begins. A park meet-up, video call, or group activity can ease initial discomfort.

🌟 Encourage autonomy and self-esteem

Assigning age-appropriate responsibilities helps children feel more confident and capable.

Practical examples:

• Let them organize their own school materials
• Create a calendar of tasks and activities together
• Praise effort, organization, and initiative — more than just results

Conclusion

Preparing children to return to school with health and confidence means more than buying notebooks or books. It’s about creating a safe, healthy, and encouraging emotional environment. The school year can begin with enthusiasm and balance — and parents play a key role in making that happen.

💡 With the Misericórdias Saúde Card, you get access to pediatricians, psychologists, ophthalmologists, and other specialists with up to 60% discount. A great way to ensure your child starts the school year healthy and emotionally ready.