Merinda D’Aprono, author of The Essential Guide to Your Prep School Journey, shares her advice on helping your child settle in on their first day of school
Most prep schools will be used to children joining the school throughout every year group. In some ways, the younger the child the more anxious the parent, although the worry and protectiveness will never really go away, and older children may be able to rationalise their feelings more with their parents. Nonetheless, both parents and children are likely to have a few sleepless nights due to a mixture of anxiety and excitement. Nothing solves that worry like a good first day, and that can be supported by a little bit of preparation beforehand.
In the beginning
Most schools will allow a taster day so that your child can make friends in advance, and be familiar with the setting. Many schools do a session in the new classroom before the year ends and will be happy to welcome your child on that day to meet the new teacher and be part of the anticipatory process. There may well be induction days and coffee mornings for you to see the school in action, while your child visits. Make use of all you can, but try not to be worried if you are abroad and cannot visit. Schools want you to feel welcome whenever you arrive, and will do their best to make children feel at home. Get a routine going
If there is any way of meeting children from the class and making contact with their families, then do so. Play dates will mean that...