How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Day of School

Pleasant Places School Team

June 2026 · 5 min · Lekki, Lagos

In this guide

Before the First Day
Visit the School Together
Talk Positively About School
Establish the Routine Early
Practice Separations
Label Everything
The First Morning
What to Pack
After School
Looking After Yourself

The first day of school is a milestone for both child and parent. It is exciting, emotional, and sometimes a little nerve-wracking. Whether your child is starting creche, nursery, or primary school in Lekki, a little preparation can make all the difference. Here is a practical guide to help you both navigate the transition smoothly.

Before the First Day

Visit the School Together

If possible, visit the school with your child before their first day. Walk around the playground, peek into the classroom, and meet their teacher if the school allows it. Familiarity with the environment reduces anxiety on the first morning.

Talk Positively About School

Use everyday conversations to build excitement. Talk about the fun activities they will do – playing, making friends, learning new things. Read children’s books about starting school. Share your own happy memories of school. Keep the tone light and positive.

Establish the Routine Early

A week or two before school starts, begin adjusting your child’s schedule to match the school routine:

Wake up at the same time you will need on school days
Move mealtimes to match school meal schedules
Practice the morning routine – getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating breakfast
Adjust bedtime so your child is well-rested

Practice Separations

If your child is not used to being away from you, practise short separations. Leave them with a trusted grandparent, relative, or friend for increasing lengths of time. This builds confidence that you will always come back.

Label Everything

Write your child’s name on everything they will bring to school – uniforms, bags, water bottles, lunch boxes, and any comfort items. It saves time and prevents lost belongings.

The First Morning

On the big day:

Wake up early enough to avoid rushing. A calm morning sets a positive tone for the day.
Have a good breakfast – a full stomach helps with energy and mood.
Keep goodbyes short and cheerful. A long, emotional goodbye makes the separation harder. Give a hug, a smile, and a confident “See you soon!”
Trust the teachers. They have done this many times. Most children settle within minutes of their parent leaving.

What to Pack

Most schools provide a list, but a typical first-day bag includes:

A change of clothes (in case of accidents or spills)
A water bottle
Lunch and snacks (if not provided by the school)
A hat or sunscreen for outdoor play
A small comfort item if the school allows it (a soft toy or blanket)
Any required forms or documents

After School

When you pick up your child:

Celebrate the day. Tell them how proud you are. A small treat or special activity can mark the occasion.
Talk about their day with open-ended questions: What was the best part? What did you play? Who did you sit next to?
Watch for signs of tiredness. The first week of school is exhausting for young children. An earlier bedtime and a calm evening routine help them adjust.
Be patient with setbacks. Some children settle immediately and then have a difficult second week. Others take weeks or months to fully adjust. Both are normal.

Looking After Yourself

It is normal to feel emotional about your child starting school. Give yourself grace, connect with other parents who are going through the same transition, and remind yourself that this is a positive step in your child’s development.

At Pleasant Places School, we understand that the first day is as significant for parents as it is for children. Our teachers are experienced in helping families through this transition, and we welcome you to stay in touch throughout the day if that helps you feel more at ease.