The start of the school year in September 2025 isn't just a date on the calendar. For a child, it's a whirlwind of emotions. By approaching this time with a little gentleness and creativity, you can transform their minor anxieties into genuine excitement for the adventure that awaits.
Turning Back-to-School Anxiety into Excitement
The end of summer is often a mixture of excitement and a touch of anxiety. For a child between the ages of 6 and 12, the idea of a new class, the fear of not seeing their friends again, or having a new teacher can quickly become overwhelming. This is where your role as a parent is essential to help them see things more clearly.
The secret isn't to brush off their fears, but rather to embrace them. By creating a space where they feel safe to talk, you're giving them the greatest gift of all: the knowledge that what they're feeling is legitimate. It's a great way to boost their confidence and strengthen your bond.
Open a sincere dialogue about your emotions
Rather than asking, "Are you stressed about going back to school?", which risks shutting down the conversation, try a gentler approach. The idea is to invite them to share what's on their mind, without pressure.
Imagine, during a walk or just before bed, you could whisper to him: "You know, I remember being a little nervous before starting second grade. I was wondering if I was going to make new friends. And you, what do you think about when you imagine your new classroom?"
Some tips to help the conversation flow smoothly:
- Validate how he feels : "I understand that the idea of a new teacher can be a little scary at first." This is an essential step in making him feel understood.
- Really listen, without judging : Let him vent, even if his fears seem a little out of proportion. What matters is how he feels.
- Share your own experience : Sharing a back-to-school story can really reassure him. It shows him that he's not alone in feeling this way.
Welcoming your child's emotions teaches them that they have the right to be scared, happy, or sad. It shows them that each feeling is a compass that helps them understand what's important to them.
Moreover, it is good to know that the school context is evolving. For the start of the school year in September 2025, the Ministry of National Education is planning increased resources for student success , with the maintenance of teaching staff despite a drop in the number of students and the creation of support positions. This is a strong signal to ensure better supervision.
Using creativity to visualize the positive
Once the fears have been put into words, it's time to shift perspective and focus on the positive. Creative activities are great for this; they help your child project themselves with optimism.
It's a way to transform a source of stress into a moment of play and sharing, which completely defuses the event.
The back-to-school emotion box
Take a simple shoebox and decorate it together. Suggest that your child put small pieces of paper inside to write or draw on:
- His worries (e.g., “fear of getting lost in the new school”)
- His desires and dreams (e.g.: “learn to draw manga”, “play football with friends again”)
This box becomes a real outlet. You can look at it together from time to time, see if a fear has disappeared, and celebrate when one of your desires has come true.
The New Year's Treasure Map
On a large sheet of paper, draw together the path for their new school year. Back to school is the starting point, and summer vacation is the treasure to be reached. In between, add fun milestones: "Discover the library," "Make a new friend," "Pass my dinosaur presentation," "Participate in the school fair."
This simple exercise helps them visualize all the exciting moments ahead, transforming the unknown into an exciting adventure. By empowering them to take charge of their return to school, you're giving them the keys to overcoming their anxieties and starting the year off on the right foot.
Establish family rituals for a smooth transition
Going back to school can be a huge upheaval. Faced with this newness, children have a vital need for reference points. This is where family rituals come into play: they act as reassuring anchors that structure time and transform a potentially stressful stage into a moment of sharing. For the start of the school year in September 2025 , the key is to establish new habits well before the big day.
These small, repeated gestures, whether daily or more occasional, create a cocoon of security. They help your child anticipate what's going to happen, which significantly reduces their anxiety. Far from being a rigid discipline, it's about building moments together that are meaningful for your family.
In the morning, we aim for autonomy and calm
We're all familiar with the hectic pace of school mornings. Yet, with a little organization, these moments can become surprisingly serene. The idea is to give your child the tools to take charge of their own preparation. It's a great way to boost their self-confidence!
A few days before the start of the school year, why not create a morning routine chart together? Grab a large piece of paper, some markers, and draw the key steps:
- Get up (when the alarm goes off!)
- Dress like a grown-up
- Have breakfast
- Brush your teeth
- Put on your shoes and coat
Next to each task, provide a space to stick a sticker or mark a cross. This visual and fun tool empowers them much more than constant reminders. Seeing their progress will give them a real sense of pride.
In the evening, we calm the day to sleep well
Evening is just as crucial as morning. A good bedtime ritual helps release the day's tensions and prepares you for quality sleep, which is essential for being in good shape for learning. It's not just about setting a time, but about creating a moment of connection.
The evening ritual is a time for disconnection. We turn off our screens to create a space for discussion and affection. This is essential for strengthening the parent-child bond after a day spent separately.
The My Book Story notebook can be a wonderful companion for this time. Each evening, your child is invited to write down a happy moment from their day or circle the emotion that best describes it. It's a simple and gentle gateway to introspection and gratitude, perfect for ending the day on a positive note.
To help your child visualize these new landmarks, a timetable can work wonders.
This simple tool charts the week's schedule. By making routines predictable, it becomes a real ally for reassuring a child.
To help you put this into practice, here's a sample schedule you can adapt for the week just before the start of the school year. The idea is to gradually increase the "school" rhythm without sacrificing those last moments of relaxation.
Examples of rituals for the pre-back-to-school week
| Day | Morning activity (15-20 min) | Afternoon activity (30-60 min) | Evening ritual (15 min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Discovery of the routine table. | Preparing the office area: sorting, decorating. | Reading a story about going back to school. |
| Tuesday | First attempt at the morning routine (without time constraints). | Purchase the last missing supplies. | First evening with the My Book Story notebook. |
| Wednesday | Morning routine: we try to be a little faster. | "Special end-of-holiday day": picnic or outing. | Discussion about expectations for the new year. |
| THURSDAY | Complete morning routine with dressing and breakfast. | Preparing the school bag and labeling the items. | Choosing the outfit for the first day of school. |
| Friday | Dress rehearsal of the routine, at school time. | Walk on the way to school, scout out the locations. | Family movie night, maximum relaxation. |
This chart is just a suggestion. The important thing is to create moments that reflect your personality and transform the preparation into a positive family adventure.
We celebrate the end of the holidays to better welcome the start of the school year
Back to school shouldn't mean the abrupt end to summer fun. Organizing a little "end-of-vacation" ritual helps gently close this chapter and open the next one with a positive mindset.
Here are some simple ideas to mark the occasion:
- "Goodbye Summer" Day : Organize one last big picnic, an afternoon at the pool, or a memorable water fight in the garden. The goal is to create one last strong and joyful memory of the holidays.
- The schoolbag ritual : Preparing the new schoolbag is a key moment. Let your child put their things away and stick labels on their notebooks. This very concrete action helps them plan for the future.
- New Beginnings Dinner : Prepare a special meal where everyone shares one thing they're excited to learn or discover during the new school year.
These rituals anchor the start of the school year in September 2025 in a positive and shared energy. They transform this sometimes dreaded stage into a family adventure, reminding your child that, no matter what, they are supported.
What if the supply list became a creative mission?
Ah, the infamous supply list... We agree, it often feels like a chore. However, with a little imagination, this purely logistical step can turn into a super fun playground. It's the perfect opportunity to stimulate your child's creativity and sense of responsibility.
The idea? Turn this "obligation" into a fun mission to fully involve him in his return to school in September 2025 .
By letting them choose their pencil case or the color of their notebooks, you show them that their tastes matter. That these tools are truly theirs. It's more than just a shopping list; it's the first chapter of their new school year.
The big sorting: an eco-responsible secret agent mission
Before you head out to the shops, set your first task: sort through last year's belongings. This is a great time to discuss topics like ecology or organization, but without it feeling like a lecture.
Let's start the game! Prepare three boxes with clear labels:
- “I’m keeping” : for anything that is still in great condition and can be used again.
- "I give" : for supplies that will make associations or other children happy.
- "I recycle" : for everything that actually arrived at the end of the race.
This little game teaches him concretely how to make choices, evaluate his real needs and become aware of the impact of objects. It's a way to value him and make him proud of his decisions.
Involving your child in sorting and choosing supplies isn't just a matter of logistics. It's about empowering them and teaching them how to make decisions. These are skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
This approach is also excellent news for the wallet. Moreover, a survey by the Familles de France association shows that for the 2025-2026 school year in Paris, the average cost per family has dropped by 5.53% . Why? Mainly because families are paying more attention and adopting more economical practices. To learn more, you can consult the complete analysis on the cost of going back to school .
The customization workshop: the final touch!
Once the shopping is done, it's time for the most fun part: customization. This creative workshop is the icing on the cake. A notebook he's decorated himself will become a precious object, one he'll truly enjoy opening every morning.
You don't need much: stickers, markers, washi tape, a little glitter, or even scraps of wrapping paper are all you need. Let them create their own world on their notebooks, binders, and pencil case.
A little extra idea: the treasure box for the office
Take a simple shoebox and decorate it together. It will become their "inspiration box." Your child can put:
- Magazine images that he likes.
- Motivational phrases written by him.
- Small objects that make him smile (a funny pebble, a small figurine...).
Placed on his desk, this box will be his little bubble of comfort and motivation throughout the year. A constant reminder of what he's passionate about.
Enthusiasm can be built!
Every step, from sorting to decorating, is an opportunity to spend quality time with your child and build excitement before the start of the school year. By giving them a voice in their preparation, you show them that their opinion matters and that school is an adventure they're building themselves.
Instead of suffering through the new school year, he's preparing for it. And believe me, this pride in having created his own work tools will give him a good dose of confidence to start this new year with a big smile.
D-Day and the first week: how to support your child with serenity
The first day of school is always a big moment, a mixture of excitement and a little apprehension, for both your child and you. The start of the school year in September 2025 will be no exception! Your calm and confidence are your best allies. They are incredibly communicative and will reassure your child far more than any long speech.
This day marks the beginning of a new adventure. The goal isn't for it to be perfect, but for it to be experienced as a positive one, a step forward that strengthens their independence and self-confidence.
D-Day: A cocktail of emotions to manage
On back-to-school morning, the atmosphere at home sets the tone for the rest of the day. Try to create a gentle and cheerful atmosphere. A special breakfast, with your child's favorite dish or pancakes shaped like letters, can transform this sometimes stressful moment into a small celebration.
On the way to school, maintain a positive attitude. Talk about the friends he'll meet again and the exciting new things he'll learn. The moment of separation at the gate is often the most sensitive.
- Acknowledge their emotion : "I see you're a little overwhelmed, that's completely normal. Everything will be fine."
- Keep it short and sweet : A big hug, an "I love you, have a great day," and a big smile are ideal. Long goodbyes can only amplify their anxiety.
- Give him a clear reference point : "I'll be there at the exit, right next to the big tree." Knowing exactly where and when he'll find you is extremely reassuring for him.
Your serenity sends him a very powerful message: "I trust you, and you are safe here." This is exactly what he needs to step through the gate with courage.
The evening return, a key moment for exchange
The end of the day is just as crucial. The classic question, "So, was school good?" rarely gets more than a "yes" or "no." To encourage them to open up, you need to be a little more creative.
Instead of bombarding him with questions right out the door, give him time to decompress. Offer him a nice snack and wait for the conversation to flow naturally.
A child who feels listened to without being judged is a child who is learning to share their feelings. Your role is not to solve everything, but to offer them a safe space where they can express themselves freely.
To get the discussion started, try more open-ended and original questions:
- "What was the funniest thing that happened to you today?"
- "Tell me about a time when you smiled a lot."
- "Who did you play with the most during recess?"
- “If your day were a color, what would it be?”
Don't hesitate to share a little something from your own day as well. This exchange creates a real connection and shows him that communication works both ways.
Celebrate the end of the first week to anchor the positive
The first week is often intense, even exhausting. It's a major adjustment period that requires a lot of energy from your child. Marking the end of this week with a small celebration is a great way to recognize their efforts and reinforce their sense of accomplishment.
There's no need to do anything grand. What matters is to create a small ritual that symbolizes this milestone accomplished with flying colors.
Some simple ideas to mark the occasion:
- Dinner for Champions : On Friday night, prepare their favorite meal and award them a "Back to School Superhero Diploma" that you crafted together.
- A special weekend outing : Plan an activity he loves, like going to the park, a movie, or a family bike ride.
- The gentle review evening : Take some quiet time to look through the My Book Story notebook together, if he has used it, and talk about the highlights of his week.
These small moments of celebration anchor the school experience in a positive dynamic. They transform the start of the school year into a victory, both personal and familial, and lay a solid foundation for a fulfilling school year.
How to stay on track and enthusiastic all year long?
The excitement of the start of the school year in September 2025 is a real driving force. But let's be honest, it tends to fizzle out after a few weeks. The real challenge is cultivating this positive energy so that it lasts throughout the year. A successful return to school lays the foundation for a stress-free school year, where school is seen as an adventure and not a source of stress.
The goal is to create a caring family cocoon where we cultivate our curiosity, our autonomy and, above all, the pleasure of learning every day.
The “family council”: a small ritual that changes everything
To keep the dialogue open, the weekly "family council" is a great tool. It's a short, regular time, like Sunday evening, where everyone can share in confidence:
- His little pride of the week : a good grade, but also a new friend or a fear overcome.
- A difficulty encountered : putting words to one's frustrations helps to defuse the situation and seek solutions together.
- An idea to improve life at home : by asking for his opinion, you show him that his voice matters.
This simple ritual strengthens bonds, values efforts and teaches your child to express what they feel.
Routines that breathe and adapt
Back-to-school routines are a great starting point, but they need to be flexible. Life moves on, and your child grows. Stay tuned to adjust if mornings become a race again or homework drags on.
Sit down with him and just talk about it: "I feel like we're running a little fast right now, what could we change to make it cooler for you?"
A good routine is one that serves us, not the other way around. Flexibility is your best ally so rules don't become a source of conflict. Don't be afraid to experiment, change things up, and find what really works for your family.
Sometimes a micro-adjustment, like packing your school bag in the evening instead of in the morning, can make a huge difference.
Autonomy can be learned (without pressure)
Entering elementary school is a big step toward independence, especially when it comes to homework. Your role is to patiently support your child, not do the work for them.
How to find the happy medium?
- A corner of his own to work : a quiet, well-lit space, with his equipment within easy reach.
- A time dedicated to homework : right after snack time or after playtime. Regularity is key.
- Be a support, not a policeman : Be available to answer their questions, but let them search for themselves. Value their efforts, much more than the perfect result.
This approach gives him confidence in his abilities and helps him see his homework as its own challenge, not a chore.
Managing small dips in performance
The first slump often occurs after the All Saints' Day break. It's normal! The initial excitement fades, and fatigue sets in. It's time to redouble your gentleness and attentiveness. When faced with a drop in motivation, try to connect what your child is learning with what they enjoy. Is he studying volcanoes? Find a fascinating documentary to watch as a family. The goal is to rekindle the flame of curiosity.
Moreover, for the start of the 2025 school year , the adaptation of resources for the 2025 school year in certain academies could allow for better supervision and more individualized monitoring, which is good news for managing these more delicate periods.
Also make sure they get enough sleep and have real breaks away from screens. By maintaining this positive dynamic, you're giving them the best tools to get through the school year with confidence and a smile.
Your questions about the 2025 school year
The start of the school year in September 2025 is approaching, and with it, its share of questions. The idea here is to help you approach this period with serenity, focusing on your child's well-being.
Let's take a look at how to navigate the most common questions to strengthen dialogue and trust at home.
"So, how was your day?" ... "Good." How can I get him to tell me more?
Ah, the famous "it was good"... a classic! To get a richer answer, you need to change the question. Avoid closed questions that require a simple "yes" or "no."
Instead, try open-ended questions that invite him to share a specific moment:
- "What's the funniest thing that happened to you today?"
- "At recess, who did you play with most often?"
- "Tell me something new you learned that surprised you."
Timing is also crucial. Give them time to decompress after school. It's often during dinner or bedtime that tongues loosen. And to get the conversation started, share an anecdote from your day yourself. This turns the interrogation into a real exchange.
How can I help him manage arguments with his new friends?
The first few weeks are a period of social adjustment. It's normal for minor conflicts to arise. Your role isn't to act as a referee, but to equip your child to learn how to handle these situations on their own.
The most important thing is to acknowledge their emotion without judgment: "I see that you're sad/angry, and it's normal to feel that way." Once the emotion is validated, help them put words to what happened and think about solutions. "What do you think could help you feel better? How could you explain to them how you felt without getting angry?"
This approach teaches him how to manage conflict constructively. It's a huge boon to his development, cultivating his empathy and assertiveness.
My child complains of being tired all the time, what should I do?
Fatigue in the first few weeks is very common. The pace of school, concentration, excitement... all of this consumes a lot of energy. The first thing to do is to make sure your basic needs are met.
Here is a short list to quickly take stock:
- Is he getting enough sleep? A child between the ages of 6 and 12 needs 9 to 11 hours of sleep per night. Gently reestablish a regular bedtime schedule.
- Does he have quiet time? After school, a relaxing time without screens is essential to recharge his batteries.
- Is his diet adequate? A good breakfast and a healthy snack give him the fuel he needs to get through the day.
If fatigue persists, do not hesitate to discuss it with your teacher to find out if anything was noticed in class.
How to create a morning routine that doesn't turn into a nightmare?
The secret to a stress-free morning is planning the night before. Involve your child: choose their clothes together and check that their school bag is ready. This empowers them and gives them a sense of control.
For younger children, a small visual chart with pictures for each step (getting dressed, eating, brushing teeth) can do wonders for independence. Another tip: if possible, get up 15 minutes before them. This little time for you can change the whole atmosphere.
And above all, try to create a positive atmosphere with soft music and encouragement. The goal is cooperation, not a race against time. This is how the start of the school year in September 2025 will become a positive experience for the whole family.
The My Book Story notebook was designed to accompany your child on this great adventure. It's a simple tool to help them express their emotions, see the positive aspects of their day, and build self-confidence. Discover how it can enrich your evening ritual by visiting our website: https://mybookstory.co/products/le-carnet-my-book-story .