As the back-to-school season approaches, many families are busy with the usual checklist—new uniforms, school supplies, and packed lunches. But for some children, especially those who face challenges with motor skills, communication, emotional regulation or sensory processing, the excitement of a new year can quickly give way to stress, frustration, or even meltdowns.
For kids who need extra support, the usual back-to-school tips often miss the mark. These children benefit most from strategies that truly consider their individual needs and strengths. That’s why, instead of offering generic advice, we’ve compiled 6 practical and adaptable strategies to help your child transition back to school with greater confidence and ease.
1. Make Morning Routines Simple
Use Visual Supports for Communication
- Why: Visual supports break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps- setting your child up for success. Your child can follow along at their own pace without needing constant verbal reminders.
- What to do: Create visual schedules or picture boards for daily routines like getting dressed, eating breakfast, or packing a backpack.
- Pro Tip: Collaborate with your child to make these visuals. This increases their investment and familiarity with the schedule. And remember, they aren’t limited just to morning routines- visual supports can be made for almost any task your child needs help with.
Use a “First-Then” System
- Why: Having a visual reminder of what needs to happen next makes transitions smoother and reduces anxiety for kids who might have trouble switching between tasks.
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- What to do: Create a simple chart breaking down tasks, e.g., “First clean teeth, then play with toys.”
- Pro Tip: Pick 1-2 transitions where your child might need extra support. Set up a chart where those transitions tend to occur, so it is ready to use when you need it.
Want an easier morning? It starts with good sleep routines
- Why: Sleep impacts mood, focus, and energy- so a good night’s sleep can make all the difference to your child’s morning routine. And a consistent sleep routine can help improve sleep quality.
- What to do: Establish a calming bedtime routine with dim lighting and soothing activities like reading or using a weighted blanket.
- Pro Tip: Begin winding down 30 minutes before bedtime with quiet activities or a warm bath to signal the day’s end.
2. Encourage Independence Through Choice
Give Your Child Choices
- Why: Feeling in control reduces anxiety and boosts cooperation.
- What to do: Offer choices during routine tasks, such as choosing between two items or choosing which task to do first.
- Pro Tip: Use visuals where possible to boost your child’s understanding and help with decision making (e.g. hold up both options so they can actually see what’s on offer)
3. Smooth Transitions
Use a Visual Timer to Support Transitions
- Why: Visual timers make transitions easier, especially for kids who need more structure to move between activities. It also helps manage time for kids who struggle with attention.
- What to do: Use a visual timer to show how much time is left for tasks like brushing teeth or packing their backpack. This gives your child a visual clue of when the task will end.
- Pro Tip: Start with short durations (e.g., 3 minutes) and gradually increase as your child gets more comfortable with transitions.
Practice Routines During the Holidays
- Why: The more familiar your child is with a routine, the less overwhelming it will feel when it’s time to do them during the school year.
- What to do: Practice self-care tasks and routines during the school holidays.
- Pro Tip: Try a “back-to-school trial day” at home to give your child a low-pressure preview of their school-day routine.
4. Sensory-Friendly Solutions
Sensory Tools for Self-Care
- Why: Self-care tasks like brushing teeth or getting dressed can become a lot easier when they’re done with tools that are comfortable and calming for your child.
- What to do: Adapt tools to best fit your child’s sensory sensitivities. This might be as simple as using an electric toothbrush or fruit toothpaste, choosing tag-free clothing or socks without seams, light dimmers, noise reducing headphones or earbuds, weighted blankets or shoulder wraps.
- Pro Tip: Test these tools during the holidays to find what works best before school starts.
Pack a “Go Bag”
- Why: Having a go-to bag filled with familiar, comforting items means your child will always have what they need to manage their day, no matter what comes up.
- What to do: Create a bag of self-care essentials—like spare clothes, sensory tools, or a communication device—for school or on-the-go.
- Pro Tip: Let your child help pack it, giving them control over what helps them feel secure.
Create a Sensory-Friendly Backpack
- Why: A sensory-friendly backpack reduces sensory overload, so your child doesn’t feel overwhelmed before the school day even begins.
- What to do: Select soft, flexible backpacks and supplies free of harsh tags or labels. Be mindful of how heavy it is when fully packed and adapt accordingly to suit your child.
- Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pack your “go bag”!
5. Enhance Communication
Try Sign Language or Simple Gestures
- Why: Non-verbal communication can be a huge support for children who struggle with understanding or speaking, helping to reduce frustration.
- What to do: Teach basic signs like “help,” “more,” or “finished” to support communication.
- Pro Tip: Practice regularly so these gestures become second nature.
Reinforce Routines with Social Stories
- Why: Social stories provide clear, concrete examples of what to expect, which can reduce anxiety and help your child feel more prepared.
- What to do: Create short, illustrated stories that walk your child through specific routines, like waiting in line or getting ready for school. You can find social story generators online.
- Pro Tip: Personalise these stories with your child’s favourite characters or activities for added engagement.
6. Mealtime Success
Make Lunch Packing Fun and Stress-Free
- Why: When you have a list of safe, preferred foods, it makes packing lunches easier, and your child won’t feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar options.
- What to do: Work with your child to create a list of lunchbox-friendly foods they love and feel comfortable eating.
- Pro Tip: Use a “lunchbox calendar” to let your child choose which foods they want for each day of the week. This gives them control and reduces mealtime stress.
With these tips, you’ll be setting your child up for a smoother transition back to school—one that’s grounded in understanding their unique needs. By focusing on their individual strengths and challenges, you can help them start the school year with confidence, independence, and success.
Need Extra Support? We’re Here to Help!
If your child finds the back-to-school transition especially challenging, we’re here to help. Our team understands that every child is unique, and we’re passionate about working with families to create practical, personalised strategies that make a difference.
Don’t hesitate to contact your local clinic to talk to one of our friendly family experience officers. Whether you’re looking for guidance, resources, or an extra hand to make this school year a positive experience for your child, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can set them up for success!