Back to School: Prepare Your Child's Heart and Schoolbag

The start of the 2025 school year is fast approaching. For most schoolchildren, the big day will be Monday, September 1st or Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025. But this date is much more than just a return to school. For a child, it's a veritable whirlwind of emotions: a mixture of excitement at the idea of ​​seeing their friends again and a little knot in their stomach facing the unknown. Our role as parents is to gently accompany them in this new adventure.

Decoding the emotions of the 2025 back-to-school season

We tend to think of back-to-school as a to-do list: buy notebooks, check school bags, get back into a sleep routine. But for a child between the ages of 6 and 12, it's a major developmental milestone. It's a veritable emotional rollercoaster. It's therefore crucial to look beyond material preparations to connect with what they're really feeling.

This time is full of contrasts. On one hand, there's the pure joy of catching up with friends, recounting summer adventures, and discovering your new class. On the other, a little anxiety can rear its ugly head. Who will my new teacher be? Will I be able to make new friends? What if the new subjects are too difficult?

What's behind a brand new school bag?

During this transition, your child's mind is full of complex thoughts. The first thing you can do to help them navigate this stage smoothly is to acknowledge and welcome their emotions, whatever they may be.

• The excitement of new things: A brand-new schoolbag or pencil case is a powerful symbol. It represents a fresh start and boosts motivation and pride.

• Fear of the unknown: Changing classes, teachers, or even schools can be downright unsettling. Children love their routines, and uncertainty is a major source of stress for them.

• Fear of inadequacy: Fear of failure, of finding lessons too complicated, or of not being as "good" as others is a very common worry at this age.

• The little sadness of the end of summer: Saying goodbye to the freedom of vacation to return to a much stricter framework can make you a little nostalgic.

Approaching the start of the school year through the lens of emotional well-being turns a simple obligation into a wonderful opportunity for growth. It's the perfect time to teach your child how to express their fears, celebrate their courage, and build their confidence for the year ahead.

Transforming Apprehension into Quiet Strength

As parents, our role is to turn this somewhat stressful time into a positive experience. The goal isn't to magically make all fears disappear, but rather to give our child the right tools to face them with confidence.

Helpful tip: If your child confides in you about their fear of not knowing anyone, validate their feelings before reassuring them. You might say, "I understand that you're worried. It's true that it's a little intimidating at first. Remember last year, how you met Leo in the playground and suggested we play marbles? You have a real knack for making friends." With a simple sentence like this, you show that you understand their feelings, while also reminding them of their own social skills.

By choosing to listen and engage in dialogue, you'll make the start of the school year in September 2025 much more than just a formality. It will be a springboard to boost his self-confidence and, in the process, strengthen your bond.

Organize the return to school without stress

The infamous supply list can quickly make us break out in a cold sweat. We can already imagine the hustle and bustle of the stores and the marathon of finding everything. However, this material preparation for the start of the school year in September 2025 is a great opportunity to transform what seems like a chore into a real bonding moment with your child.

The idea is to get started a little early. Why? So that the last days of vacation rhyme with relaxation and not with a frantic race. By approaching this stage calmly, you're showing him concretely that going back to school is a transition that needs to be prepared for gently. It's a great life lesson to teach him how to manage a project, step by step.

Turning the race for supplies into a treasure hunt

Instead of being overwhelmed by the crowds, what if we made it a little more fun? By involving your child, they become an active participant in their own return to school, which is excellent for developing their independence and self-confidence.

Here are some concrete ideas to make the experience more fun:

• The Supplies Scavenger Hunt: Take the school list and turn it into a treasure map. Each item—the compass, the 4-color pen, the large 24x32 notebook—becomes a valuable object to be found. He's the mission leader, and he's the one who checks off what's found!

• The Personalization Workshop: Once the basics are purchased, launch a creative afternoon. Get out the stickers, markers, and ribbons, and let them decorate their notebooks or pencil case. Their belongings become unique, just like them. It's an excellent way for them to take ownership of their work tools and develop their creativity.

• The "grown-up" budget: For older children (around 9-12 years old), give them a small budget to choose "fun" items like their diary or pencil case. This is a perfect introduction to learning how to manage a little money, make choices, and feel responsible.

These moments are much more than just a matter of organization. They are opportunities to exchange ideas, understand each other's tastes, and share a common goal.

By involving your child in the choices and preparations, you're not just checking off a list. You're instilling independence, confidence, and the idea that even mandatory chores can become moments of shared joy.

Create an office space that makes you want to

The work environment plays a huge role in motivation. Creating a dedicated homework space with your child is a powerful ritual that marks the transition to the new school year.

It doesn't need to be an entire room. The important thing is the intention. Let them choose where to put their pencil holder, hang a favorite drawing above their desk, or choose a new lamp. This space becomes their territory, a place where they'll feel comfortable exploring, learning, and even making mistakes.

In France, education is a priority. For the start of the 2025 school year, the French regions plan to invest nearly €8 billion in education. This massive support demonstrates the importance of each student's success. You can extend this collective effort at home, simply by creating a space that inspires learning. To learn more, consult the regions' commitment to education on the Régions de France website .

Building Your Child's Self-Confidence

Self-confidence can be cultivated, much like a garden. For a child, it's this superpower that helps them see new things, like the start of the school year in September 2025 , not as mountains to climb, but as fun adventures to discover.

Our role as parents is to help them fill their little "emotional backpack" with positive thoughts and confidence in their own abilities. A child who feels confident dares to ask questions, isn't afraid of making mistakes, and reaches out to others more easily. The idea isn't to turn them into superheroes, but to give them the right tools to feel strong in the face of the year's challenges.

Celebrating past successes to illuminate the future

Before you dive into preparing for the new year, take a moment to look back with your child. The past year is full of accomplishments that, when highlighted, become the foundation for their future confidence. And no, we're not just talking about excellent grades!

Remember to celebrate all types of success: progress, effort, acts of kindness. Did he overcome his shyness to speak up in class? Did he make a new friend? Did he help a classmate? Every small victory is proof that he is capable of growing.

Practical tip: Create a "pride box" or "accomplishment wall" where you can display photos, drawings, or little notes that recall these beautiful moments. It's a concrete way to materialize your accomplishments.

Here are some ideas to get the conversation started:

• "I remember at the beginning of the year, you found multiplication so complicated. Look how well you're doing now! What do you think helped you do it?"

• "Remember when you helped your friend who had fallen in the yard? That was really kind and brave of you."

• “I loved your presentation on dinosaurs. You spoke about them with such passion!”

These simple conversations help him put his own qualities into words: perseverance, empathy, curiosity. It's much more powerful than simply telling him, "You're smart."

Turning Little Fears into Big Adventures

Being afraid of the unknown is completely normal. The goal isn't to deny this fear, but to defuse it and transform it into a stimulating challenge. Role-playing is a great tool for this.

Let's imagine that his greatest fear is not knowing anyone. Play a short scene together.

The “First Contact” Role Play:
You (playing another child): “Hello... my name is Leo.”
Your child: “Hi, I’m [his/her name]. I like your sneakers!”
You: “Oh thanks! Do you like playing soccer?”

This simple exchange, repeated like a game, gives him concrete phrases to use and shows him that making the first move isn't so scary. It's a kind of practice for the big day.

Filling your emotional backpack

The idea is to equip him with "thought tools" that he can pull out of his invisible backpack whenever he feels a little less confident. These tools are positive affirmations based on his own successes.

Practical advice: Help him create his “courage phrases”.

1. Identify their strengths: List three of their qualities together. For example: “I am persistent,” “I am a good friend,” “I am creative.”

2. Create courage statements: Turn these strengths into affirmations that they can repeat to themselves. For example: "If I don't succeed the first time, I can try again, just like I did when I learned to tie my shoelaces." or "I'm a good friend; I can offer to play with someone."

By doing this, you are offering him a real method for building his own confidence, allowing him to approach the start of the school year with much more optimism.

Establish calming family rituals

When faced with the unfamiliarity of a new classroom, family rituals are a lifeline for a child. They act as an anchor, creating a predictable and warm environment that reduces stress. These shared moments send a powerful message: “We’re in this together, and we’re going to make it fun.” It’s the best way to turn a source of anxiety into a positive celebration.

Turning the end of the holidays into a celebration

Rather than endure the end of summer, why not celebrate it? The idea is to create small events that mark the smooth transition and build positive memories. The magic of a ritual lies in its regularity and the intention we put into it.

Here are some simple ideas to adapt:

• The special "Back to School Eve" dinner: Host a festive meal the night before the big day. Let your child choose the menu. This is the perfect time to discuss their hopes and desires for the new year.

• Summer Memory Box: Decorate a shoebox together and fill it with little treasures that remind you of the holidays: a seashell, a funny photo, a movie ticket... This gesture allows you to nicely close the chapter of summer.

• The Back-to-School Interview: Every year, ask them the same questions: "What's your biggest dream for this year?" "What are you most looking forward to learning?" Write down their answers in a dedicated notebook. It's a wonderful tradition to strengthen your bond.

These moments make back-to-school more about family connection than just running around buying supplies.

Of course, emotional preparation is key, but the financial aspect remains a reality for many families. This graph highlights the main categories of back-to-school expenses.

It's clear that the budget for extracurricular activities can quickly add up. Anticipating these costs is essential for approaching the start of the school year with greater peace of mind.

Create benchmarks for the coming year

The most effective rituals are those that lay the foundation for a calming routine throughout the school year. A predictable framework at home helps children better manage the energy required for school.

Rituals are the silent language of love and security. They tell your child, "No matter what happens at school, here you have a stable and loving home base."

Here are some ideas for structuring your routine in a positive way:

1. The Evening Emotional Check-In: At dinner or before bed, get everyone into the habit of sharing a good moment from their day and a challenge they've encountered. This opens the door to dialogue and helps your child put their emotions into words.

2. Getting ready for the next day together: Every evening, take a few minutes to prepare your child's bag and outfit for the next day. This simple step empowers them and eliminates a major source of morning stress.

3. Unplugged Creative Time: Build in a little screen-free creativity time each week. Fifteen minutes of drawing, writing in a notebook like the My Book Story journal , or building a building game is all it takes.

By establishing these small habits, you are building a solid foundation for your child's growth throughout the year.

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This table presents ideas for family rituals for the start of the school year, classified according to the emotional benefit they bring to the child.

Examples of back-to-school rituals by objective

Emotional Goal	Example of Ritual	Practical Advice for Parents
Build self-confidence	The "Letter to Their Future Self." The day before school starts, ask your child to write a letter about their hopes and fears, to be opened at the end of the school year.	Keep the letter in a safe place. The important thing is the thought process, not the quality of the writing. Show him that his feelings are valid.
Ease separation anxiety	Create a secret "transition object." A small, smooth pebble, bracelet, or drawing to slip into their pocket so they can touch it if they're feeling lonely.	The item should be discreet. Tell him it's your "pocket hug" or your "courage in a bottle." This demonstrates your emotional connection.
Transforming fear into excitement	The "Supply Scavenger Hunt." Hide new supplies around the house and give him a map to find them. Each item is a step toward a new adventure.	Focus on play and exploration. Pair each item with something fun: "pencils for drawing monsters," "notebook for writing amazing stories."
Value the effort and the journey	The "accomplishment wall." Set aside a space (on the fridge, a cork board) to display not only good grades, but also efforts, drawings, or a new skill learned.	Celebrate the process, not just the result. A "Well done for trying so hard!" is often more powerful than a comment on the grade you received.

These rituals, tailored to your family, create a supportive environment that allows each child to approach the start of the school year with greater serenity and enthusiasm.

What if a creative journal became your best ally?

A child's emotions are a bit like the weather: one day bright sunshine, the next an unexpected storm. For the start of the school year in September 2025 , one of the best gifts you can give them is a space just for them to express all of this. A creative journal is a companion, a secret garden where their thoughts can grow freely, without ever being judged.

Keeping a journal helps your child put their feelings into words or drawings. It's an essential first step in developing their emotional intelligence. By writing down their joys, frustrations, or questions, they learn to recognize them and better manage them.

Far from being just another duty, it's a space of pure freedom. The idea isn't to write perfectly, but to truly express yourself.

Transforming the notebook into a confidant

To encourage your child to embrace this tool, present it as an adventure, not an obligation. The journal becomes that friend who listens without ever interrupting.

One of the biggest benefits is the increased autonomy. When faced with a challenge, such as an argument with a friend, a journal gives them a place to think on their own before coming to you to talk about it. They can draw their anger, write down what they would have liked to say, or just scribble. This habit strengthens their ability to take a step back. They can reread their old fears, see their progress, and realize how far they've come. It's a tremendous confidence booster.

A creative journal isn't meant to record facts, but to explore inner worlds. It's a playground for the imagination, a laboratory for emotions, and an anchor on stormy days.

Some ideas to get started

The blank page can sometimes be overwhelming. To help your child get started, offer fun themes that spark their creativity. The important thing is to keep it fun.

Here are some concrete ideas to inspire him:

• Draw your superpower for school: The ability to become invisible when you're shy? Or the ability to understand math in the blink of an eye? This exercise helps them identify their desires and anxieties in a fun way.

• The coolest thing I learned today: It encourages him to see the positive in his day and feeds his curiosity.

• My daily emotions map: Ask him to draw a map with islands for each emotion: the island of joy, the volcano of anger, the forest of tranquility...

• If my day were an animal, it would be... A brave lion? A soft-spoken sloth? A chattering magpie? This funny metaphor is a great way to talk about your mood.

With primary school enrollment expected to decline for the start of the 2025 school year , with approximately 6,180,500 students expected (compared to 6,528,000 in 2021), the attention paid to each child becomes all the more crucial. A tool like the creative journal makes it possible to offer this personal emotional support. To go further, you can consult the Ministry of National Education's enrollment forecasts .

Integrate the newspaper into the family routine

The key to making journaling a habit is to gently integrate it into your bedtime routine. A journal like the My Book Story Journal is ideal for ages 6-12, with its guided activities that encourage self-expression.

Establish a 10- to 15-minute "quiet time" before bedtime. Everyone takes a book or notebook. Set an example by writing in a notebook yourself. This shared moment, with no obligation to show what you're writing, creates an atmosphere of serenity that invites you to reconnect with yourself.

Laying the foundations for a successful school year

Throughout this guide, we've looked at how to prepare for the start of the school year in September 2025. If there's one thing to remember, it's this: a successful return to school is measured less by a perfect school bag than by the well-being of a child who feels ready in their head and in their heart.

The idea is to transform this moment, often seen as a race, into a wonderful opportunity to grow and strengthen family bonds. Each small step becomes a building block for a solid and happy year.

The pillars of a stress-free return to school

To put it simply, it all hinges on four big ideas. Think of them like the four legs of a table: if one is missing, everything becomes wobbly.

• Plan ahead for supplies for peace of mind: By taking care of your shopping well in advance, you'll give yourself a stress-free last few days of vacation. It also sends a powerful message to your child: the start of the school year is coming smoothly.

• Boost self-confidence: The greatest gift you can give your child is to help them see their own strengths and remember their successes. This "inner baggage" of confidence will give them the strength to embrace new things with courage.

These first two points set the scene. But for things to take hold, you need to add the magic of habits and creativity.

The Superpower of Rituals and Expression

The last two pillars anchor these good intentions in everyday life. They give your child concrete tools to manage their emotions, not just on the big day, but all year long.

A successful return to school isn't just a day on the calendar. It's the beginning of a new adventure. It's the perfect time to lay the foundation for a year where your child feels listened to, supported, and able to face challenges with a smile.

• Rituals for feeling safe: Whether it's the special meal the night before or packing the bag together in the evening, rituals are like beacons in the night. They provide a reassuring routine that calms anxieties and brings the family together.

• A journal to free your thoughts: A notebook like My Book Story is a space of your own where your child can share their joys, fears, and questions. It's a paper friend that helps them better understand themselves.

By blending these four approaches, you're not just preparing your child for the first day. You're giving them a compass for the entire school year, helping them become more independent, resilient, and fulfilled.

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Questions you may have about the 2025 school year

The start of the school year in September 2025 is approaching, and with it comes a host of questions. Beyond supplies, it's often our children's worries that are on our minds. How can we help them approach this milestone with confidence? Here are some tips and practical advice.

My child is anxious about going back to school, how can I help?

Back-to-school anxiety is very common. The first thing to do is to validate what they're feeling. A sentence like, "I see you're a little worried, that's normal," can work wonders. You're showing them that their emotions are legitimate.

Then take action to defuse the situation. The idea is to make the terrain familiar.

• Do a little reconnaissance: a few days before the start of term, take a walk in front of the school. Just seeing the building and the path anchors things in reality and calms fears.

• A friendly face for the first day: If you know another child who will be in their class, organize a small snack in the park. Having a friend to say hello to on the big day makes all the difference.

• Play together: Role-playing is a great tool. Have fun miming how to introduce yourself to a new friend or what to do if you feel lonely in the yard. Play makes solutions concrete and less scary.

In the evening, focus on gentle rituals: a story, a few minutes of calm breathing together. These moments of connection are perfect for releasing pressure.

Welcoming an emotion doesn't mean trying to erase it at all costs. It means giving your child the right to feel it, without judgment. Only then can we look for solutions together.

How can I make creative journaling fun and not just another duty?

For your child to become a trusted friend, they should see the journal as their secret garden. Present it as their own personal notebook, where anything goes. The golden rule? Never force them to write or draw .

To get him excited, throw out fun, no-pressure ideas.

• “Draw your dream day at school.”

• “If you were a superhero in the playground, what would your superpower be?”

• “Imagine a completely crazy machine that would do your homework for you.”

Provide him with stickers and markers of all colors... The important thing is to value all forms of expression: collages and drawings are just as important as words. Show that you're interested in what he's doing, but respect his privacy if he doesn't want to show you everything.

When should we start talking about going back to school?

Timing is key to not ruining the end of the vacation. The happy medium is often found around two weeks before the big day . If we talk about it too soon, anxiety is likely to set in. If we wait until the last minute, panic is guaranteed.

Approach the topic gently and positively. Instead of a formal, "We need to talk about going back to school," try something like, "Hey, how about we take a look at the new school bags this week?" This approach anchors the discussion in a concrete and enjoyable action. It opens the door to listening to their questions as the days go by.

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Providing your child with the right tools to put words and color to what they feel is one of the best keys to a fulfilling school year. The My Book Story journal was designed to be just that, a creative and caring companion.

Discover how the My Book Story notebook can help your child build confidence and navigate their emotional world, day after day.