🧸 How to support your child’s first days at school
The first days of school are an exciting time… but they can also generate doubts, nerves or even tears. For many children it is their first big change away from home, and for families, an important step towards their personal and social development.
At Numont School, with more than 60 years of experience as a British school in Madrid, we know that each child lives this stage in a unique way. That is why today we share some simple tips so that you can accompany your child during this transition with calm and confidence.
💛 Why are the first days of school so important?
Because they set the tone for the course and the bond with the school. A good adaptation favors:
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Emotional security of the child
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Your willingness to learn
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A positive relationship with colleagues and teachers
And, above all, it conveys the message that school is a safe, fun and loving place.
✅ 7 key tips to accompany this stage
1. Talk about school in a positive way
Tell him what he will do, who he will be with, how much fun he will have… without creating unrealistic expectations, but conveying calm and joy.
Visit the school before the first day.
Walking around the classroom or playground together helps reduce uncertainty and builds trust.
3. Establish routines from the beginning
Going to bed and getting up at the same time, preparing the backpack together, leaving time to have breakfast together… Routines provide security.
4. Be brief in your farewell and remind him that you will see him back on the way out.
A kiss, a smile and a phrase such as “You’re going to be great! Prolonging the goodbye usually generates more anxiety, both in the child and in you. Don’t forget to remind him/her that you will see each other on the way out. Understanding that it is for a limited time will help him/her understand the separation better.
5. Validate your emotions
It is normal for there to be tears, fear or even anger during the first few days. Don’t try to avoid it, just go along with it: “I know it’s hard for you, but I’m sure that little by little you will feel better”.
6. Avoid transmitting your own insecurities
Children sense everything. If you have confidence in the school and its ability, he or she will too. Even if it’s hard, say goodbye happily.
7. Celebrate small advances
“You came in today without crying”, “How nice that you ate everything in the dining room!”, “Did you draw a picture?”. Every step counts and deserves to be recognized.
👨👩👧👦 And what does Numont do to help children adapt with love?
At Numont, we are a family-sized school where every child is seen, heard and accompanied from day one.
✅ The teachers are very attentive to each student, especially in their first days. Thanks to the small number of students per class, they can observe how the students feel, if they need help or emotional support, and act in a personalized way.
✅ Peers themselves often spontaneously help the new student, show them where things are, include them in games and make them feel part of the group from the beginning.
✅ We encourage direct contact with families from the very beginning.
✅ We maintain close communication between teachers and parents.
✅ Our team is well aware of the emotions that arise at this stage and acts with patience and sensitivity.
Thanks to this warm and personalized atmosphere, most of the children feel “at home” in just a few days.
🫶 A process that needs time, but also trust
Each child adapts at his or her own pace. Some take hours, others days or weeks. And they all succeed.
Trust, accompany… and don’t hesitate to support you at school: that’s what we’re here for.
