Episode 8: From Sandcastles to Circle Time: The Summer-to-School Shift

In this episode of Parenting Matters, the hosts discuss the various transitions children face as they start school, including moving from home care to preschool, changing classrooms, and beginning kindergarten. They provide practical tips for parents to help their children navigate these changes, emphasizing the importance of preparation, emotional support, and fostering independence. The conversation highlights the significance of acknowledging children's feelings while also encouraging them to face their fears and build confidence in new environments. Takeaways Every child transitions differently to school. Creating an experience book can help children adjust. Parents should model calmness to reassure children. Acknowledging a child's feelings is crucial. Bravery is not the absence of fear, but overcoming it. Building a routine can ease morning chaos. Playdates can help children make new friends. Gradually adjusting bedtime routines is important. Children need time to decompress after school. Trusting in a child's ability to adapt is key. Book recommendations: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/04/books/preschool-books.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare   Other books we love: The Kissing Hand and Lena’s Shoes are Nervous Connect with us: Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSFFacebook facebook.com/ecmsf Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! If you enjoyed this episode: Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen. Leave us a rating or review—it really helps other parents find the show Share this episode with a friend or parent group! It’s by word of mouth that our small business grows best!   Chapters (00:00:00) - Parenting Matters: Real Talk From Kids to Teens(00:01:03) - Parenting Matters: Starting School(00:01:41) - How to Handle Your Child's Fear About School(00:08:41) - How to Prepare Your Child for School(00:13:22) - How to help a child with a new classroom transition(00:19:00) - How to Prepare a Child for a New School(00:21:21) - How to Encourage New Friends in Kindergarten(00:24:27) - Bedtime and Morning Routine(00:32:27) - Kindergarten Transition Advice(00:38:52) - Day in Review with Parent(00:40:19) - How to Prepare for a Child's First Year of School(00:44:36) - Podcast