The big day has finally arrived — the very first day of school. If your heart has been beating a little faster with each passing day as it approaches, that's perfectly normal.
Starting preschool is a huge milestone, as much for them as for you.
To help this milestone go smoothly, we're sharing a few tips to guide you through the moments that matter.
the key daily milestones to anticipate
potty training: learning at their own pace
Potty training is often the ultimate goal before starting preschool, yet every child progresses at their own pace.
At home, it's important to establish new habits:
• regularly suggest going to the bathroom
• choose "big kid" underwear together
• celebrate progress, without making accidents a big deal
Parent tip: pack a complete change of clothes in a pouch (washable is even better) to keep in their bag, just in case — it reassures everyone!
gently dropping the pacifier
There's no need to cut ties with the pacifier overnight if it's still useful in daily life. In some schools, it may be allowed at nap time. But, with school approaching, it's a good opportunity to begin a gentle transition, by explaining that the pacifier stays at home.
Our tips:
• You can introduce pacifier-free moments: in the morning after getting dressed, during a walk in the park, after nap time… Little by little, children will feel just fine without it!
• You can offer a "big kid" gift to mark the milestone, like a book, a night light, …. The goal is to celebrate this big step forward.
the lovey: the adventure companion
The lovey, it's precious. It's more than an object — it's a landmark for the child, a smell, a piece of home, their confidant that goes everywhere with them. For school, you'll need to label it with their first name sewn on, a tag (or a personalized Petit Picotin lovey), and make it accessible in the bag for nap time.
Good to know: some schools ask for a "spare" lovey. If the original is too precious, you'll need a lovey #2, which would be for school, while lovey #1 stays at home.
language: no need to speak "like a big kid"
Not all children have the same level of language when they start school. Some talk a lot, like big kids, and some still use gestures. What matters is that they can make themselves understood to communicate their needs: thirst, tiredness, needing the bathroom… At home, you can help them express their emotions by describing them and using gestures every day ("are you hungry?" "do you want a hug?").
You can also narrate what you're doing out loud at home ("I'm packing your bag for school," "we're going to put our shoes on") to help them connect words with actions.
the rituals for a gentle separation
Mornings are the most dreaded moment — the one where you leave each other's arms for an entire day.
But, to make this transition go smoothly every morning, you need to establish routines:
• a phrase repeated every morning
• a magic kiss
• a heart traced with a finger on their hand
Emotion tip: slip a little note or a small drawing into their bag. Even if they can't read yet, they'll know it's from you — and that means the world!
the checklist for the first day of school
It's important that your little one is well equipped to feel ready.
We're sharing an essentials list to prepare for this big day:
• a backpack suited to their size
• a complete change of clothes tucked into a tote bag or a small extra bag
• their lovey with their name on it
• a water bottle or a personalized cup
• a snack box
• a sleeping bag
the petit picotin essentials
for back to school
and above all, trust your child (and yourself)
Even if they cry a little or hold your hand tight, your little one is ready for school. It's a place where they'll grow, learn, make friends, and have their first "big kid" memories.
So take a deep breath, breathe out, and navigate this new milestone smoothly!
the things your little ones say
« Grandma, you smell like bleach » - Marin, 2 and a half
« Mommy, do you like the fruit of the potion » - Juliette, 3 years old
« Cast off the wardrobes (the moorings) » - Marceau, 4 and a half
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