Back to school in 2025 ... just thinking about it makes us imagine the scramble for supplies and endless lists. But what if, this year, we saw things differently? This key moment is much more than just a logistical transition. It's a time filled with emotion, both for the children and for us, the parents.
This guide has been designed to focus on the essentials: your child's emotional well-being , creativity, and self-confidence. The idea? To transform this sometimes stressful transition into a real opportunity to grow together.
Preparing for a 2025 return to school focused on your child's well-being
The start of the 2025 school year is approaching, and with it, its share of excitement and minor anxieties. For a child between the ages of 6 and 12 , it's not just a return to class. It's a real emotional shift. We say goodbye to the freedom of the holidays to find a framework, new rules, new faces, and new expectations.
What if, this year, we stopped thinking only about logistics? I propose a gentler approach, focused on what really matters: your child's balance. Imagine for a moment: the little fears of going back to school become open and reassuring discussions. Preparations transform into moments of creative connection. And your child's doubts transform into rock-solid self-confidence.
Why change our view of the start of the school year?
We often tend to focus on the materials: the perfect school bag, the right color notebooks, the well-stocked pencil case. These are important, of course. But what really matters is what's going on inside our children. Your child's state of mind on the big day will weigh far more heavily in determining their success than the brand of their markers.
Thinking about the start of the school year from a well-being perspective simply means giving your child the emotional toolbox they'll need to thrive. It's showing them that their emotions are legitimate and that they have all the tools they need to face the challenges ahead with a smile.
This article will guide you, step by step, with simple but incredibly effective tips. Our goal is to help you make this back-to-school season a real family project, an adventure that nourishes both the heart and the mind.
Together, we will see how:
- Establish family rituals to calm minor worries.
- Boost your child's self-esteem so they feel strong and ready.
- Use your creativity to make preparations fun and challenging.
Let's make this 2025 school year a smooth start, where your child will feel listened to, supported and ready to conquer the world.
Establish calming family rituals
The final weeks before the start of the 2025 school year can quickly become a race against time, and let's be honest, a source of stress for the whole family. But what if we changed our perspective? What if this period became a special time to get together and approach the start of the school year with peace of mind?
For a child, the unknown can be frightening. The best way to help them is to provide a predictable and reassuring framework. Family rituals are perfect for this. They act like beacons in the night, providing a structure that reassures them and gives them a sense of control over the situation. Far from being constraints, these are real encounters that strengthen bonds and open the door to dialogue.
Create moments of sharing to free up speech
A fear expressed is a fear that is already losing its force. To encourage your child to put words to what they feel, there's no need for grand speeches. A few simple rituals will suffice.
- Weekly Family Council : Each week, take a moment to get together and talk about the start of the school year. Everyone can share their feelings, expectations, or fears without being judged. This is a golden opportunity for your child to ask any questions they may have and feel truly listened to.
- The summer treasure box : Suggest that he make a pretty box to store his most beautiful holiday memories: a seashell, a photo, a drawing... It's a symbolic and sweet way to turn the page on summer and prepare for the new adventure that awaits him.
By creating these spaces for dialogue, you not only defuse their worries, but you also show them that their emotions are legitimate and important. This is an essential building block for building their emotional intelligence.
Establish a progressive and caring routine
Transitioning from the relaxed pace of vacation to the much more structured pace of school can be a shock. To avoid fatigue and irritability, the key is gentleness.
Start readjusting your sleep schedule one to two weeks before the big day. Move your bedtime forward by 15 minutes every other day, for example. Your body clock will slowly and effortlessly recalibrate. Similarly, turn the preparations into bonding time. Packing your school bag and choosing your clothes the night before becomes a calming ritual that gives you a sense of control and positive anticipation.
This image gives you some ideas for spreading out tasks and avoiding rushing.
By planning things over several weeks, you ensure that you maintain a relaxed atmosphere at home, away from the last-minute rush.
To help you visualize this transition, here is a sample timeline that you can adapt to your needs. Its goal is to gently prepare your child, both mentally and physically.
Sample timeline for a smooth transition
| Day | Week -2 (D-14 to D-8) | Week -1 (D-7 to D-1) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | First "family council" about the start of the school year. We discuss it calmly. | We start moving bedtime forward by 15 minutes . |
| Tuesday | Creation of the "summer treasure box". | We choose the school bag and the first supplies together. |
| Wednesday | Visit (if possible) the surroundings of the school. | We continue to move bedtime forward. |
| THURSDAY | We're sorting through last year's clothes. | We prepare the outfit for the first day. |
| Friday | We read a story about school. | We establish the evening ritual: prepare our things for the next day. |
| SATURDAY | We contact one or two classmates to organize an afternoon of games. | We are finishing the last purchases of supplies. |
| Sunday | Rest and quiet activities with the family. | Relaxing day. In the evening, we prepare our schoolbags and outfits without stress. |
This chart is just a suggestion. The main idea is to make things predictable and involve your child in every step. By transforming "chores" into shared rituals, you'll give them the tools to approach the start of the school year with confidence and enthusiasm.
Building your child's self-confidence
Self-confidence is like the invisible superpower that will carry your child throughout the year. It's much more than just a quality; it's what will allow them to make friends, dare to raise their hand in class, and bounce back from the small setbacks of everyday life. The period just before the start of the 2025 school year is the perfect time to strengthen this essential skill.
Far from being something innate, confidence is cultivated, day after day. A few simple gestures and well-chosen words are all it takes. As a parent, your role is crucial in helping your child see their full value, without needing the approval of others.
Help him see and celebrate his own strengths
Every child has a wealth of qualities within them, but they often struggle to recognize them themselves. Our first mission is therefore to help them put their strengths into words, in a concrete and positive way.
To make it more fun, why not try a little creative activity like "The Flower of My Successes"? The concept is simple: you draw a large flower, and on each petal, write one of your qualities, a recent success, or something you're proud of. It could be "I learned to ride a bike," "I'm a good friend," or "I'm good at drawing."
This simple exercise gives him visual proof of his accomplishments. He can build a positive self-image and glance at his flower whenever a little doubt arises.
Encourage his autonomy so that he feels capable
Empowering a child is one of the best ways to boost their confidence. Giving them the power to make their own choices, even about small things, sends a powerful message: "I trust you, I know you can do it."
Here are some easy ideas to implement during back-to-school preparations:
- Choosing supplies: Let them choose the color of their notebooks or the design of their diary. By getting involved, they become an active participant in their return to school, not just a spectator.
- Their own workspace: Give them the task of organizing their desk. This helps them take ownership of their environment and feel responsible.
- Preparing the school bag: Show him how to do it once or twice, then let him do it on his own in the evening. It's a small daily victory that reinforces his sense of competence.
Welcome his emotions and offer him unwavering support
Self-confidence isn't about never being afraid. It's about knowing you have the tools to face your fears. When your child says, "What if I don't have any friends this year?" the best thing you can do is embrace their worry.
A sentence like "I understand that this makes you anxious, it's normal when you don't know anyone" is much more helpful than "But no, don't worry!" Once his emotion is validated, you can remind him how he has managed to make friends in the past, to reassure him of his abilities.
Another little trick that always works: slip a note of encouragement into their bag or lunchbox. A simple "Have a great day, I'm thinking of you!" or "You're going to rock!" is a subtle but powerful reminder of your support. It's a little bit of you that stays with them all day long.
Turning preparations into a creative adventure
Who said preparing for the 2025 school year had to be a chore? Between endless supply lists and shopping trips, we often forget the most important thing: making this time a fun experience for our children. What if we looked at things differently this year? It's the perfect opportunity to turn these obligations into a real playground.
Instead of buying everything ready-made, why not start a small creative workshop at home? The idea is to allow your child to take ownership of their things. A simple notebook then becomes their own, one they've decorated themselves and will be proud to show off. It's a simple way to give sentimental value to their work tools and take the drama out of going back to school.
Bringing school supplies to life
The goal of the game is to turn each object into a little blank canvas. So, let's get out the markers, the glitter, the stickers, and let's start a customization session together!
Some ideas to get you started:
- Customize notebooks : Your child can draw their favorite heroes, create colorful patterns, or make collages with magazine images. A simple transparent notebook cover will then be enough to preserve their masterpiece all year long.
- Make unique labels : No more bland, impersonal labels! Help him create his own with his own drawings or even small photos.
- Create a homemade pencil holder : Take an old tin can or a glass yogurt container. With a little paint and a lot of imagination, it will transform into a super practical decorative object for your desk.
Beyond fun, these little activities develop fine motor skills and creativity. And above all, they send a positive message: school is a place where one's personality has its place.
Imagine the coming year with a smile
Creativity doesn't stop at supplies. It's also a great tool to help your child look forward to the new school year with confidence and enthusiasm, transforming their little anxieties into positive stories.
What if we invented a story together about their cuddly toy experiencing their very first day of school like a superhero? It's a fun way to put their fears into words. By imagining how their hero overcomes obstacles, your child will find their own keys to feeling stronger.
Another great idea is to create a "back-to-school journal." This notebook will become his little corner, where he can draw, write, or stick his desires for the year: the friends he hopes to see again, the subjects he can't wait to discover... It's an excellent way to help him visualize his goals and turn the unknown into an exciting adventure.
By incorporating these moments of play and creation, the start of the school year becomes much more than just a return to school. It transforms into a positive experience, based on the joy of learning and the desire to express oneself.
Create a homework corner that makes them want to get started
Let's face it, homework is rarely fun. However, a well-designed workspace can really make a difference. The idea is to create a little bubble for your child, a place that helps them focus and shows them that what they're doing is important. No need to push back the walls; a quiet corner in the living room or bedroom will do the trick.
The secret? Involve him from the start! Let him choose the location, the color of a pencil holder, or a few accessories. By making it his own, he'll be much more likely to want to settle in. It's a bit like building his own headquarters for all his year-round explorations.
The essentials for an effective homework corner
For this space to work, a few things are essential. First, comfort. A good chair and a desk at the right height are the foundation for keeping your child's back healthy and staying focused without fidgeting.
Next, let's talk light. Nothing beats natural light. If that's not possible, a good, glare-free desk lamp is essential to protect their little eyes and help them go the distance.
Finally, tidying up. It's the key to a clear mind.
- Pencil holders to keep everything at hand, without having to search everywhere.
- Boxes or binders with labels for notebooks and loose sheets.
- A small shelf above the desk for books or creations.
The goal is simple: everything in its place, for a clear desk and fewer distractions.
Create an environment that promotes concentration
Beyond the furniture, it's the entire environment and habits you create that will make the difference. Back to school in 2025 is the perfect time to lay a solid foundation that will help them throughout the year.
Creating an inspiring homework corner isn't just about giving them a desk. It's about building a little cocoon where they feel confident, able to concentrate, and supported in their academic adventure.
For the start of the 2025 school year in France, it is essential to create a work environment conducive to learning. You can learn more about the organization of the school calendar by consulting the information on vie-publique.fr .
The most important thing is to define a simple and consistent framework. Establish clear rules, such as no screens during homework and a fixed work time, with short breaks to catch your breath. This helps them better manage their effort and understand that once the work is done, their free time is entirely theirs.
Back to school, a new start for the whole family
What if we looked at the start of the 2025 school year differently this year? Rather than seeing it as a chore, let's turn it into a wonderful opportunity to strengthen family bonds. By focusing on reassuring rituals and creative activities, we're doing much more than checking boxes on a list. We're laying the foundation for a peaceful and happy school year for our child.
Every discussion about his little anxieties, every personalized notebook, every time you trust him with a small task... all of this means a lot. These are real investments in his self-esteem. You're showing him that what he feels is important and that he already has within him everything he needs to face new things.
Never forget: your listening ear and unwavering support are the most important supplies in their school bag. They can't be bought, but they are the key to their peace of mind.
So, going back to school isn't just the end of the holidays. It's the beginning of a new chapter, filled with adventures and discoveries, for him and for you.
Continue to talk together, celebrate small successes, and be their refuge in times of doubt. This is how, day after day, you help them become confident, curious, and comfortable adults, ready to face tomorrow's challenges with a smile.
Your questions about the start of the 2025 school year
The upcoming 2025 school year raises its share of questions for parents. It's completely natural! We all want the best for our children, and finding guidelines is part of the job. So, to help you see things more clearly, here are some answers focused on well-being and confidence.
My child is very anxious about going back to school, how can I help him?
Ah, the famous back-to-school knot in your stomach… It's an emotion that many children (and parents!) know well. The most important thing is to welcome this anxiety without brushing it off. A simple, "I can see that you're worried, and that's normal. Shall we talk about it?" can work wonders. This shows them that what they're feeling is legitimate.
Next, try to make the unknown a little more familiar, and therefore less frightening. Read stories about going back to school together, or why not draw pictures of his future class and the friends he'd like to make there. The idea is to put pictures of what worries him.
Some concrete ideas to support it:
- Organize a meet-up before the big day : If you have the opportunity, an afternoon at the park with one or two future friends can make all the difference. Running into a familiar face in the playground is priceless!
- Highlight the positive : Talk together about what he's excited about. Seeing his friends? Learning to read? Starting to play soccer? Help him look forward to the good times ahead.
- Rely on rituals : Simply preparing their school bag together the night before or choosing their outfit gives them a sense of control over events. This sense of control is an excellent remedy for anxiety.
How can I help him get back into the right rhythm?
Transitioning from the sweetness of vacation to the fast-paced pace of school can be a bit overwhelming. The secret is to take it easy to avoid a rude awakening.
About two weeks before school starts, start slowly shifting your child's internal clock. Move your bedtime forward, then your wake-up time forward, in small increments of 15 minutes every two or three days. It's a simple method that allows your child's body to adjust without even realizing it.
Gradualism is your best friend. The idea isn't to force radical change, but to gently guide your body and mind toward the new rhythm of the 2025 school year .
Also take advantage of this opportunity to reintroduce quieter moments into the day, such as reading time after lunch. This helps their brain retrain for the concentration they'll need in class. Also, consider reducing screen time, especially in the evening, as their blue light is the enemy of good sleep.
My child is shy, how can I help him make friends?
For a reserved child, the idea of having to approach others can be paralyzing. Our role is not to force them, but to give them some keys to help them feel more comfortable.
At home, you can have fun playing little role-playing games. Imagine a scene where he suggests to another child: "Hi, my name is Leo, do you want to play marbles with me?" It may seem silly, but practicing gives him a reassuring little scenario in his head.
Also encourage them to be good observers. Spotting a child wearing a T-shirt of their favorite hero is a great excuse to start a conversation!
And above all, remind him of his qualities: his kindness, his sense of humor, his talent for drawing... He has everything it takes to be a great friend. After a few days of school, suggesting a trip to the park with one or two friends is a great way to bond, in a much more relaxed setting than the playground.
The My Book Story notebook is the perfect companion to accompany your child throughout the new school year. It helps them build self-confidence and express their emotions, day after day. Discover it now at mybookstory.co .