Back-to-School Butterflies: Helping Kids (and Parents) Keep Calm on Day One

August 2025, By Katie Brown

Let’s be honest – the first day of school is a mixed bag of emotions. For the kids, it’s excitement, nerves, and “do I have to wear that?” all rolled into one. For parents, it’s a strange combination of pride, panic, and wondering if anyone will notice the small victory that is remembering both the PE kit and the lunchbox.

Whether your child is starting Reception, moving up a year, or tackling the terrifying territory known as secondary school, here’s how to keep everyone’s nerves in check — and maybe even enjoy the morning.

1.Easing Those First-Day Jitters

Talk it through… but not too much. The night before, have a casual chat about what to expect — friends they might see, teachers they’ll meet, or the all-important question: what’s for lunch? Avoid turning it into a full TED Talk on school life.
Normalise the nerves. Let them know it’s okay to feel a bit wobbly. Share a time you were nervous and how it turned out fine (bonus points if it’s a funny one – kids love hearing about your “I spilt juice on my trousers in Year 5” moment).
Focus on the fun bits. New pencils, fresh notebooks, the thrill of finding out if the canteen still does those giant cookies… give them something to look forward to.

2.Creating a Calm (ish) Morning Routine

Prep the night before. Lay out clothes, pack bags, and locate missing shoes before the morning chaos begins. This is the difference between “Good luck at school, darling!” and “GET IN THE CAR, WE’RE LATE.”
Wake up earlier than you think you need to. Even 15 minutes extra can mean a calmer breakfast and less chance of brushing hair in the car.
Keep the vibe light. Music works wonders — try a happy playlist instead of the news. Dance while buttering toast if you can get away with it.

3.Spotting Signs of School-Related Anxiety Early

Some kids are open books when they’re stressed, others are more like mystery novels. Keep an eye out for:

Frequent tummy aches or headaches without a clear cause.
Big changes in behaviour — sudden quietness, irritability, or clinginess.
Trouble sleeping or unusual dreams.

If you notice a pattern, have a gentle chat and see if they can name what’s worrying them. Sometimes just knowing you’ve heard them makes all the difference. And if it seems bigger than a quick reassurance can fix, reach out to their teacher early – they’re pros at helping children settle in.

Final Word

The first day back is rarely flawless. Someone will forget something, someone will cry (sometimes it’s you), and there’s a good chance of spilling coffee down your outfit. But with a little preparation, a lot of understanding, and the occasional biscuit, you can help your child feel calm, confident, and ready to take on the new school year- even if you’re still working on it yourself.

Why This Matters to MM-Eye
At MM-Eye, we spend our days understanding what drives people — their hopes, anxieties, and everyday choices. Whether it’s a parent deciding how to support a child through first-day nerves or a consumer choosing one brand over another, the same principle applies: empathy and insight lead to better decisions.

Just like families prepare for school with patience and planning, businesses that invest in understanding people’s needs are the ones who thrive. If you’d like to explore how our research can help your brand connect on a deeper, more human level, drop us a line at info@mm-eye.com — we promise no homework, just useful insights.