Getting a child ready for school for their first year is tied with all types of emotion. So being prepared can really help in order to keep the excitement but also calm the anxiety that comes with it. With Lily, she was very much ready for school but I think that’s because we were talking about it for at least 9 months before she even entered into reception. Talking about school and being open with them about the changes is important. Keeping it light and exciting about new friends, new teachers, new toys, becoming a big girl/boy even though inside you might be feeling worried about the transition is key. Children cannot become what they haven’t seen or learnt, so if they see you are excited and happy about this big change, then they will be. Here are a few things we did as a family to prepare our child for school: