Back to School Prep: Before the First Bell Rings from an OT perspective

The weeks leading up to school returning can feel… a lot.There’s excitement, nerves, resistance, big feelings — sometimes all in the same hour.

From an Occupational Therapy (OT) perspective, this lead-up period isn’t about forcing kids back into “school mode.”It’s about gently preparing nervous systems, routines, and expectations so the transition feels safer and more manageable.

Here are some key things to think about in the weeks before school returns.

1. Think “Nervous System First,” Not “Behaviour First”

Big behaviours before school often come from anticipation and uncertainty, not defiance.

Your child’s nervous system may be asking:

• What do I do if I don’t know something?

• Will my teacher be nice?

• Will I have friends in my class?

🧠 OT lens: Regulation supports learning.Before you focus on behaviour or compliance, ask:

“Is my child feeling safe, calm, and connected enough to cope with this transition?”

2. Slowly Re-Anchor Daily Routines

You don’t need a strict schedule weeks out — but predictability builds safety.

Helpful things to gently reintroduce:

• Consistent wake-up and bedtimes

• Morning routines (even just the order of tasks)

• Mealtimes that align more closely with school days

✨ Tip: Visual schedules or checklists can help school-aged kids feel more in control.

3. Practise the Skills, Not Just the Talk

Talking about school is useful — but doing is powerful.

Try:

• Packing and unpacking the school bag together

• Practising the morning routine once or twice

• Walking or driving past the school

• Role-playing tricky moments (asking for help, lining up, transitions)

🛠 OT insight: Rehearsal builds motor planning and emotional readiness.

4. Expect Emotional “Leaks”

You might notice:

• More meltdowns

• Increased clinginess

• Irritability or shutdown

• Regression in independence

This doesn’t mean things are going backwards.

🚧 It often means your child is processing a big upcoming change.

Support looks like:

• Staying calm and predictable

• Naming feelings without fixing them

• Offering reassurance without dismissing worries

5. Support Regulation Through the Body

Regulation isn’t just emotional — it’s physical.

Helpful before-school supports include:

• Heavy work (pushing, pulling, carrying)

• Outdoor movement

• Deep pressure (hugs, rolling in blankets)

• Chewing or oral input

• Quiet, low-demand time after busy days

🌀 Different nervous systems need different inputs — and that’s okay.

6. Set Expectations That Are Realistic (for Your Child)

Every child returns to school differently.

Instead of asking:

• “Will they behave?”

Try asking:

• “What supports will help them cope?”

• “What might be hardest at the start?”

• “What does success look like for this child?”

Success might be:

• Getting through the day

• Asking for help

• Holding it together at school, even if emotions spill out later

7. Remember: Connection Comes Before Confidence

Your calm presence matters more than perfect preparation.

When children feel:✔️ understood✔️ supported✔️ emotionally safe

Their confidence grows — even if the transition is bumpy.

💛 From an OT perspective, back-to-school readiness is about capacity, not compliance. In the words of Dr Ross Greene, “Children do well when they can”.

Final Thought

You don’t need to fix every worry or smooth every transition.

By focusing on regulation, routine, and relationship in the weeks before school returns, you’re giving your child exactly what their nervous system needs to step back into learning.

They’re not behind.They’re building.

Sophie Gilbert - Senior Occupation Therapist at Kids Inspired