Back To School Survival Guide - Tips for Starting School from Preppies to Teenagers
- Natarsha March APP
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
When your mini-me puts on their first school uniform and lugs their oversized backpack onto their shoulders, you will either cry or celebrate. Maybe both.
TBH, starting school has absolutely nothing to do with backpacks and everything to do with emotions running wild, parents questioning everything, and children suddenly deciding they only like one specific pair of socks.
If your child is starting this Tuesday 27 Jan 2026, just a heads up that it is shaping up to be a vile 34 degrees, because of course it is.
Thick uniforms, heavy backpacks, emotional small humans and Brisbane heat is a combo no one asked for.
So heres an additional tip for starting school on hot school days - Freeze half filled drink bottles overnight.
Or even better, use an insulated one that doesn’t turn the lunchbox into a swamp from condensation. Cold water lasts longer, books stay dry, and you’ve won at least one small parenting battle before 9am.
My 13yo recommends the small $10 Owala dupe from Kmart.
Ok hot weather addressed, theres more to starting school than heat.
And the biggest thing of all: well, it's the emotions.
Because starting school isn’t just a logistical exercise, it’s a full emotional cocktail of excitement, nerves, pride, anxiety, and that slightly manic feeling that this is all happening very fast.
The kids feel it. And honestly, so do we parents. Sometimes louder.
Which is why I wrote this blog. Not just to tick boxes, but to help everyone feel steadier through every age and stage.
From the early years of sleepless nights, lunchbox negotiations, and first day jitters, right through to big school kids finding their feet and teens navigating new social worlds and growing independence.
If you’ve got little ones bursting with energy, there are plenty of sanity saving ideas here.
If you’ve got teenagers in the mix, I've covered them too, with realistic tips for high school transitions, friendships, homework, and all the feelings that come with them.
Whether you’re letting go of kindy days or supporting a teen through bigger milestones, this guide is here to make the emotional side of school life feel a little less overwhelming, and a lot more normal.
Let’s Talk About School Anxiety
School anxiety is very real, and for little kids it can feel genuinely scary.
Big feelings show up in small bodies with no warning, and suddenly you’re dealing with tummy aches, tears, clinginess, or a child who absolutely did not feel this way yesterday.
Here’s the comforting part. Anxiety and excitement live right next door to each other in the brain.
They feel almost identical in the body. Fast heart. Wiggly hands. Big energy.
The difference is the story we attach to it. One feels scary. The other feels positive. And with a bit of support, kids can learn to recognise that what they’re feeling is their body getting ready for something new, not something bad.
Gentle calming tools help children move through those feelings and metabloise them instead of trying to push them away.
Below are a few beautiful, child intended resources that work especially well in the lead up to the first day of school.
Thought Bubbles
This one helps children imagine their worries as bubbles they can gently blow away. It keeps things light and playful, which is perfect for kids who don’t want a big serious chat but still need help settling their minds.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70j3xyu7OGw
Bubble Bounce Mindfulness
A short, visual mindfulness activity that encourages calm focus and slow breathing. It’s ideal for the morning before school or the night before when nerves tend to creep in quietly.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEuFi9PxKuo
Butterfly Hug Meditation
This pairs beautifully with butterfly hugs and gives kids a physical way to self soothe. It’s gentle, reassuring, and helps children feel safe and in control of their bodies when emotions feel big.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9Hnisaqlns
Let Go of Worries
A calming guided meditation that talks kids through releasing anxious thoughts in a very simple, age appropriate way. Great for children who carry worries in their heads and struggle to switch off.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZO-R7iuCNo
Rainbow Relaxation
This one combines breathing with imagination, helping kids relax their bodies one part at a time. It’s especially good for children who struggle to explain how they’re feeling but respond well to visual cues.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIbBI-BT9c4
None of these are about making anxiety disappear. They’re about helping children understand what they’re feeling, trust their bodies, and know they’re safe and supported. And I can say from my own experince, they work just as well for parents who might need a quiet moment too.
Ready, Set, Prep! Big school Here We Come - Tips for Starting School
Starting prep is a HUGE milestone for parents. Oh yes, and for kids as well.
The excitement of new uniforms, meeting teachers, and making new friends can be mixed with a fair bit of nervous energy. It's a big step into a whole new world, and it's 100% normal to feel a swirl of emotions.
Here are a few things you can do to mentally prepare ahead of the big day.
Visit the School: Take a tour to familiarise them with the environment. Show them their classroom, playground, and other important spots. If you haven't done this yet, you can still do a drive-by and point out the classrooms.
Practice the Routine: Start practicing the school routine a few days before. This includes bedtime, wake-up time, and morning prep.
Pack Together: Involve them in choosing their backpack, lunchbox, and school supplies. This gives the kids a sense of control and excitement.
School Schedule: Explain the general daily schedule, including start and end times, lunch breaks, and any special activities like art or PE.
Morning and Afternoon Routines: Practice the morning routine, including getting dressed, having breakfast, and packing their bag. Also, talk about how they’ll get home, whether it’s by bus, walking, or being picked up.
Read Books About School: There are plenty of children's books that talk about starting school. These can help ease anxiety and build excitement. You can find them online, at Kmart or my preference, the library.
Social Skills:
Making Friends: Encourage them to introduce themselves to new classmates and teach them how to ask others to play. Friendships make school more fun!
Listening and Following Instructions: Reinforce the importance of listening to the teacher and following classroom rules. It’s all about creating a positive learning environment.
Asking for Help: Make sure they feel comfortable asking their teacher for help if they need it. It’s a vital part of their independence.
Basic Academic Skills:
Straight up, dont stress about this. The whole point of going to school is to learn, and have loads of fun while doing it. There is no academic requirement to start school.
That said, if there was one thing that could help ease any anxiety, it would be if you child can recognise their written name.
Lots of things at school will have their name on it, their seat, their school bag, their school hat (OMG definitely NAME everything!). Being able to recognise this can help feel more confident in their new environment, but again, they will learn this at school if they don't know it before they start.
Personal Care:
Using the Bathroom: Confidence to use the loo independently, including washing their hands afterward is a great skill to have when starting school.
Managing Personal Belongings: Teach them to recognize and take care of their belongings, like their backpack, lunchbox, and hat will help build responsibility.
Fun Tip for Photos
At Family Photography by Natarsha March, I understand how important it is to capture these precious moments and ensure your little ones are well-prepared for their big day.
Capture the first day with a special photo. Use props like a chalkboard sign with the date, grade, and their favorite things. It’s a fun tradition and makes for adorable memories.
Mind the Parent After Drop Off
Once the gate closes, the feelings don’t magically disappear.
Even if you have to work, try to find some time to be kind to yourself today. Whether that’s a walk, a gym session, a massage, or sitting down for a proper morning tea with a friend. You’ve just navigated a big milestone too, and looking after your own emotional energy makes everything else feel a little lighter.
This season is big. For them and for you. And even on the messy mornings, you’re doing better than you think.
New School, New Rules: Starting High School
Starting high school is a whole new level.
New subjects, fresh friendships, and more independence can also bring a few butterflies as they step into this bigger, more grown-up world.
Remind your tween that every other kid is feeling exactly the same, no one is full rizz on day one. Watch them cringe when you say that lol.
But its true, hold you head high, fake it till you make it and you will find your tribe. Crew. Whatever they call it now.
Master the Morning Routine: High school often starts earlier than primary, so work together to set a smooth morning routine. Prep clothes, pack bags, and plan breakfast the night before to make those early starts easier.
Pack the Deo: Remind your teen to add deodorant to their school bag! As they transition to high school, personal hygiene becomes even more important. Having deodorant handy on the hot days can help them feel fresh and confident throughout the day, especially after PE class or even break times.
Embrace Organisation Skills: High school comes with more subjects and homework, so help your teen get comfortable using planners, apps, or colour-coded folders to keep track of everything. These little habits can make a big difference!
Map It Out: Often high school classes will be in different areas of the school. Get a map of the campus and help your teenager plan out their day to avoid the stress of getting lost.
Encourage Independence: High school’s a time to start making choices on their own. Encourage your teen to take charge of packing their bag, tracking assignments, and communicating extra activities with you such as school sport days or excursion days where you need to arrive early.
Stay Socially Open: The social scene changes in high school, with new faces and friendships. Remind your teenager to stay open to new connections, they might discover some amazing friendships they didn't expect!
Get Involved: Encourage your teenager to join clubs, sports teams, or other extracurricular activities. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people, discover new interests, and make the high school experience even more enjoyable.
Ask Questions: Remind your teen that it's perfectly okay to ask questions, whether it's about schoolwork, schedules, or navigating the campus. Teachers and older students are usually happy to help, they remember what it was like!
Manage Stress: High school can feel overwhelming at times. Teach your teen some stress-relief techniques, like deep breathing, exercise, or even talking to someone about their feelings. Keeping stress in check is key to a successful transition.
Stay Connected with Friends: While making new friends is important, maintaining existing friendships can provide a strong support system during this transition. Encourage your teen to keep in touch with their primary school friends while building new relationships.
Parenting Playbook: Tips for Every Age
First things first. Take a breath. You’re allowed to feel wobbly. Starting school brings up pride, relief, nerves, and a strange urge to cry in the car. That’s normal. Your child doesn’t need you to be calm and perfect. They just need you to be steady enough.
Lead the Mood, Gently
Kids borrow our nervous systems. A calm tone, a light joke, and a “we’ve got this” energy goes a long way, even if you’re saying it through slightly clenched teeth.
Create a Send-Off Ritual
A special breakfast, a quick photo, a silly saying at the door. It doesn’t have to be Instagram worthy. It just has to be familiar. Rituals anchor kids, and they quietly anchor us parents too.
Fuel Them, Not the Pressure
Good food helps, but perfection isn’t the goal. Pack what you can, keep it realistic, and remember one lunchbox does not define your parenting. There are easy lunchbox ideas linked below that won’t require waking up at dawn or becoming a different person.
As you send your kids off on their first day of school, remember that this journey is as much about growth for you as it is for them.
Embrace the mix of excitement and nerves, both yours and theirs! With a little preparation, open communication, and a dash of humor, you can help make this transition a positive experience.
Celebrate their milestones, big and small, and remind them that every new beginning is an opportunity for adventure and discovery.
Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with learning, friendships, and unforgettable memories!
Life Begins
Poem by Natarsha March
Big bag
Bright shoes
Uniform
Heartbeat up
Today is warm
Breathe in
Breathe out
Got hands in pockets
Walk in
Sit down
Wet eye sockets
Chair scrape.
Name called.
Look up.
Smile.
I will see you in a while
New friends
New trends
It all spins.
Not just a first day,
But life begins.
About the Author
Natarsha March is an award-winning Brisbane newborn, baby, and family photographer who specialises in creating timeless, heartfelt images that capture the love and connection between families. With years of experience and a passion for working with little ones, she’s known for her relaxed, stress-free sessions that result in beautifully natural photographs. Based in Bunya, Brisbane, Natarsha has helped countless families preserve their most precious moments, from the tiny details of a newborn to the joyful chaos of a growing family. If you're looking for a trusted photographer in Brisbane who values quality, safety, and genuine connection, Family Photography by Natarsha March is the perfect choice.
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