✨ How to best manage baby's return to the nanny, nursery or kindergarten?
✨ How to best manage baby's return to the nanny, nursery or kindergarten?
The first day of school is a milestone, a bittersweet step that tugs at our heartstrings as parents, but above all, it marks the beginning of a great adventure for our little ones. Whether your child is taking their first steps with a nanny, at daycare, or at preschool, this moment deserves to be approached with kindness, gentleness… and a little organization!
🧸 1. Understanding baby's emotions
At this age, your child doesn't yet know how to say "I'm scared," "I'm sad," or "I'm lost." They may express their discomfort in other ways: crying, refusing, restlessness, or, conversely, silence. This is normal, and it's up to us to put words to what they're feeling.
"You're going to discover a new place, with children and toys. It's normal to be a little scared at first, but you'll see, you'll be well looked after."
The important thing is to welcome their emotions without minimizing them , while conveying your trust to them.
📚 2. Prepare it gently
The more you plan ahead, the better. Here are a few tips to make the transition as smooth as possible:
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Reading books about separation or starting school , such as "T'choupi Goes Back to School", "Léon's School" or "Little Wolf Goes Back to School", helps to normalize this stage and open up the discussion.
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Visit the premises in advance : if possible, take a walk with him at the nursery or school, even outside, so that he can visualize it.
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Walk the route together several times, without pressure, so that the journey becomes familiar and reassuring.
🎒 3. Make the equipment tangible and joyful
Choosing a schoolbag or backpack is more important than it seems: it's a ritual of empowerment ! Even for a toddler, preparing their belongings and choosing a bag to their liking gives a feeling of control over a new situation.
👉 My advice: opt for a small bag adapted to his size, in which he can slip a cuddly toy, a change of clothes, and why not… a paper heart with a drop of lavender essential oil or a sweet little note from dad/mum.
💖 4. The little morning ritual: heart on my sleeve
The magic trick for difficult mornings: draw a small heart on your child's hand, and one on your own . Explain to them that as long as the hearts are there, you are thinking of each other.
It's simple, gentle, and very effective for creating an "invisible" bond during separation. Some parents also use a soft pebble or a miniature photo in their pocket.
📸 5. Immortalize this big day (and all the ones that follow!)
On the first day, we're often emotional, we shed a tear, we run around everywhere… but don't forget to take the souvenir photo . Because this photo is the beginning of a lovely tradition that you can repeat every year, to see your child grow, evolve… and dream.
At Chou Rose , I designed an evolving wooden sign to accompany each back-to-school period, from nursery to high school.
🎓 You can write on it with chalk:
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The class (e.g., "at Nanny's", "in Preschool")
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The school year (e.g., "2025-2026")
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And even your child's dream job ("when I grow up I will be…")
The name is painted in the color of your choice, for a tender and personalized result.
💬 It's more than an object: it's a back-to-school ritual , a break from the whirlwind of daily life, a moment to celebrate the small but big milestones in life.
In summary…
The start of the school year isn't just one day. It's a symbolic moment , a transition, an emotion shared between you and your child. By preparing for it with love and establishing little rituals, you offer them a smooth start... and precious memories.
And you, what are your rituals for a smooth back-to-school season? 💌