The school year has started. Your child came home on the first day and said very little, or perhaps too much, or maybe cried before you even reached the gate. All of this is normal. The first two weeks of school are a genuine adjustment period, and knowing what to expect can help you stay calm and supportive while your child finds their feet.
The First Few Days
In the first two or three days, most children are on their best behavior — or their most anxious. They are taking in a lot of new information at once: a new classroom, new faces, new rules, new smells. Some children become very quiet. Others come home wired and talk without stopping. Some eat less than usual, or sleep differently. These are all signs of a brain working hard to process something unfamiliar.
Do not read too much into what your child says about school during this window. Early reports are impressions, not full pictures. A child who says "I don't like it" on day two is usually describing the feeling of newness, not the school itself.
The Middle of Week Two
By the second week, fatigue often sets in. The effort of being alert and careful in a new place accumulates. Children may become more emotional at home — tearful over small things, quicker to argue, harder to settle at bedtime. This is not a step backward. It is the body releasing tension that built up during the day.
This is also when many children start asking to stay home. Take it seriously, listen to what they say, and gently reassure them. In most cases, the ask is about tiredness and discomfort, not about something going wrong at school. Keep the morning routine consistent and calm. A predictable send-off gives children something solid to hold on to.
Three Signs Your Child Is Settling In
Rather than looking for a single moment when everything clicks, watch for these three quieter signs over the two weeks:
- They mention a name. It does not need to be a best friend. A classmate they noticed, a teacher whose instruction they remembered — any name means they are starting to see school as a place with people, not just a place.
- They ask about tomorrow. When a child starts asking what day it is, or whether they have a certain class next, their mind is beginning to map the week. That forward-looking thinking is a sign of growing comfort.
- The drop-off gets shorter. Not necessarily easier, but shorter. Even a small reduction in the time they need at the gate is meaningful progress.
What Parents Can Do
Keep after-school time low-key where you can. A snack, some quiet, and a little unstructured time goes a long way. Ask open questions — "What did you do at lunch?" tends to get more than "Did you have a good day?" Avoid pressing for details if your child is reluctant; they will share more when they are ready.
If, by the end of the second week, your child is still very distressed each morning or shows physical symptoms like stomachaches regularly, it is worth speaking with their teacher. Most adjustment concerns resolve on their own, but the school team is always available to help you think through next steps.
If you have questions about how we support children during the start of year, visit our programs page or get in touch with us directly.