Starting school can be tough, with a mix of nerves, excitement, and fear. I’ve been there—my youngest had a hard time with drop-offs, but a simple change made all the difference. Here are some tips to ease the transition: - Prepare Ahead: Pick out school clothes and pack lunches the night before. Let your child choose their outfit to avoid morning conflicts. - Ease into Routine: Prep your child on what to expect and stick to bedtime around 7:30-8:30 pm. - Calm Mornings: Wake up earlier to manage jitters and leave calmly. - Handle Separation Anxiety: Validate feelings with statements like, “It’s OK to cry. I’ll be back after naptime.” Avoid telling them not to cry or sneaking away. - Buddy System: If possible, drop off with a school friend to ease the transition. - Lunch Box Notes: A sweet reminder of home can be comforting. - After-School Tips: Be welcoming and offer a snack to prevent tantrums. Allow some flexibility with routines. For more practical advice, check out my guide Words That Work: 200 Scripts for Tricky Toddler Moments. Perfecting what to say can make all the difference. Tune in for more tips on making parenting easier! LINKS AND RESOURCES: eBOOK Words That Work: 200 Scripts Know exactly what to say no matter what tricky toddler moment is thrown your way. ONLINE COURSES Toddlers Made Easy Course Potty Training Made Easy FREEBIES: eBook: 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training. Get our free guide and empower your child. Set the path for success! Masterclass: Tame Tantrums Without Losing Your Cool Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby SPONSORS: ONESKIN.CO GET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERS Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, drcathryn@healthiest-baby.com Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️ If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." -- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.