In order to make your child’s first day at school enjoyable, there are some steps that you can take:

• Be prepared so that the first day is as stress-free and relaxed as possible.
• Encourage your child to be independent, and help them become used to:
  • putting on and taking off clothes and shoes
  • eating and drinking without help
  • caring for and putting away play things
  • using a handkerchief or tissue
  • going to the toilet by themselves
  • carrying their own bag.
• Prepare your child for separation:
  • If your child is not used to being away from the family, try and organise for them to spend time at friends’ or relatives’ houses without you before school starts.
  • Take your child to visit the classroom before the first day, and explain and practise routines. Be positive and reassuring, and try to answer all their questions about what school will be like.
  • If your child becomes upset, prolonging the leaving can make the situation worse. Try to leave quickly with a positive comment.
• Help to ensure that your child has the necessary communication skills. Try to ensure that your child can:
  • make their needs known
  • use appropriate greetings
  • respond when spoken to
• Ensure that your child’s uniform and other belongings are named clearly.
• Include a drink and nutritious snacks for the required breaks.
• Be punctual in getting your child to school and collecting them afterwards.

Packing the school lunch

Being at school is hard work, so by the time recess and lunchtime comes your child will be hungry and thirsty. What they will need is a nutritious and filling snack and lunch.

You play a central role in developing your child’s eating habits and providing a consistent message about a healthy lifestyle.

An interesting, healthy lunchbox will encourage your child to refuel properly during the day. Make sure that you provide a dentist-friendly drink as well (such as water or fresh juice, diluted for young children).

We suggest that when packing your child’s lunch try to:

• Provide healthy food and drink in realistic quantities for school. They will not eat more at school than they do at home.
• Provide a variety of smaller items in preference to one or two large items.
• Have the food ready to eat – for example, pre-cut oranges.
• Limit sweets and treats.
• Ensure that your child can open and unwrap the lunch. Plastic film wrap can be very difficult for young children to unwrap.

Traditional sandwiches can be varied with some of the following suggestions:

• small pita bread (spread thinly with cheese spread, grated carrot, sprouts and roll up to serve)
• small can of baked beans, spaghetti or creamed corn (self-opening)
• celery sticks with a thin spread of cream cheese topped with sultanas
• tub of low-fat fruit yoghurt (freeze the night before in warmer months)
• piece of fresh fruit or 1 cup of fruit salad in a container or a canned-fruit snack pack
• small handful of dried fruit or nuts (only for children over five)
• hard-boiled egg, cherry tomatoes and a bread roll
• tub of jelly and fruit.

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